Saturday, November 11, 2017

Seton Hall 91, Saint Peter's 49: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ -- Opening day does not have the tradition and history the type that is property of Major League Baseball. However, opening day; no matter the sport, is special. Obviously, that also applies to college basketball.
Following an offseason, from games that is, of roughly seven months, teams get to go at it again. Drills, practices and scrimmages have all led up to this. Now the teams can get out and compete as the results count. Opening day, no matter the outcome, is always special.

The Seton Hall women’s basketball team guided by coach Tony Bozzella was facing a Saint Peter’s team they have basically dominated in recent meetings. Nothing is guaranteed, and the prospect of a brand new season undoubtedly had the visitors pulling into South Orange with hopes of getting off to a good start.
The accent on starting over carried a deeper meaning, as Seton Hall was working several newcomers into the rotation. That can be a tenuous proposition, but on Friday afternoon, there was no need to worry. The homestanding Pirates were runaway 91-49 winners. One game does not a season make. Coaches always preach the “marathon, not a sprint” mantra, but getting off to a start like this can only be a positive one can build on. For those on the short side like Saint Peter’s, it is a realization there are several months ahead. Analyze what went wrong and get back to correct it.
Opening day. Just the words get the blood rushing and quickening with anticipation.

On a cold day best suited for football, basketball season opens:
Saint Peter's Sam Lochner advances upcourt:
Nicole Jimenez of Seton Hall in mid-execution of a defensive slide:
Seton Hall in a timeout huddle:
Seton Hall coach Tony Bozzella, reacting in animated fashion on the sidelines:
Seton Hall applying defensive pressure:
Seton Hall's dance team, the Sapphires, during the postgame alma mater:
Seton Hall's Taylor Brown meets the media:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.