Defeating USC anytime is definitely a sweet victory.
Accomplishing that task at home makes the feat all the more
gratifying.
But, for this year’s UCLA women’s basketball team,
the importance of the game goes beyond handing the Trojans a
whooping.
Sunday’s matchup will mark the last regular season game
for the senior class of 2004.
For team captain Jamila Veasley, forward Whitney Jones and guard
Gennifer Arranaga, the thought of hanging up the blue and gold will
be emotional and sentimental.
“I’m going to miss the team bonding, being with the
girls,” Arranaga said. “It’s kind of like
you’re graduating from your family, and it’s going to
be hard leaving the girls.”
“I’m going to miss the competitiveness,” Jones
added.
The senior tandem has played in a combined 293 games with 177
starts, and in coach Kathy Olivier’s mind, this year’s
senior class is going to bring a different aspect to the game than
past years.
“They do all the little things that don’t show up on
the statistics,” Olivier said. “Gennifer is going to
run the floor harder than anyone else, and the other two fill up
the lanes, which opens up opportunities for other
people.”
Oftentimes, a player’s statistical output determines how
much of an impact the player has on a program.
However, Veasley, who averages just over two points per game and
three rebounds per contest in her career, believes basketball for
her is more about playing within her own role.
“I couldn’t care less about all those offensive
stats,” Veasley said. “I have teammates that can go out
there and do that. I’m here to pick it up on defense and
that’s what I’m known for.”
The seniors have not only contributed to the achievements of the
Bruins on the hardwood floor, but they have also inspired many of
the players to be better women.
“The way Veasley carries herself is a great example of a
successful black woman,” freshman guard Noelle Quinn said.
“She’s very articulate, smart, and I really admire her
as a person.”
As a vocal leader on and off the court, Veasley’s presence
has made an impact on her fellow post players as well.
“She’s like a sister to me,” sophomore Julia
Pitts said. “Everyone respects her, and she’s the one
person that no one will speak back to because everyone looks up to
her.”
As the spark off the bench for the Bruins, Arranaga has not only
displayed her adeptness on the court, she has also been a mentor to
her teammates.
“She’s taught me a lot about working hard in
everything I do, especially in the classroom,” Blue said.
“She is like a straight A-student and she definitely knows
how to handle her business.”
In the world of double sport athletes, Pitts can relate to
Whitney’s career.
“When she gets out on the court you would never know that
she plays soccer,” Pitts said. “The transition is just
so natural for her. She’s always in the play making a
difference.”
UCLA faltered early on, but as the season passes by the future
looks more promising in the eyes of the seniors.
“They are going places,” Veasley said. “The
team already has so much talent, and next year there will be even
more and more talent coming in.”
Last year’s disappointing Selection Sunday has remained in
the minds of many players, especially the seniors. But this
year’s Bruins can give the senior class a parting gift they
will never forget: a trip to the NCAA tournament.
“I’m hoping,” Arranaga said. “I’ve
never been. This is my fourth year and I want to go.”