By Alton Hall
On February 12, 2022, our Western New England University Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams took on conference rivals Nichols College. It was also senior day for both teams, in which both teams honored their respective senior student athletes prior to tip off. For our women’s team, this included Julia Quinn, Sam Bodey, Grace Fisher, and Paige Brinkman. For our men’s team, this included Alex Sikorski and Kenny Flynn.
Our women’s team kicked off Saturday’s double header with a dominating, 90-57 victory over the Nichols College Bison. After a slow start to the game, with neither team scoring in the first two minutes of the game, the first quarter ended with a score of 11-10, in favor of our Golden Bears. Our Golden Bears then flipped a switch in the second quarter, outscoring the Bison 28-12.
The dominant performance continued into the second half, as our women’s team outscored Nichols by a score of 51-35. Fisher led the Golden Bears in scoring with 19 points, followed by a strong performance from Bodey, who finished with 13 points, going 3 for 5 from behind the arch. Brinkman led the team with 12 rebounds and freshman Shaina Cooney also put in a strong performance, finishing with 16 points and 6 rebounds. After the game, Fisher said, “It felt amazing to win on our senior night. We really played together, offensively and defensively, and I am so proud of my team.”
When asked about her time as a Western New England University basketball player, she said, “My time here has been a huge learning opportunity, on and off the court. From winning the CCC Championship my freshman year, to tearing my ACL my sophomore year, and then having my junior year affected by COVID, I have been through many highs and many lows. I love my team and I am so proud to have been a part of an amazing family.” Through all the highs and all the lows of her basketball career, Fisher describes her past four years as a Western New England University basketball player with one word: “discipline.”
Our men’s team capped off Saturday’s double header with a physical, hard-fought game. Unfortunately, our Golden Bears were defeated by the Bison by a score of 101-82. While battling injuries, our Golden Bears held their own against one of the top teams in the CCC. Sikorski led the team in scoring with 18 points, while Flynn was right behind him with 17 points. Sophomore Brian Geitner also had himself 14 points, while shooting 4-9 from behind the arch. Graduate student Steevens Phelimond finished with 10 points and a team high 8 rebounds.
When asked about his time as a Western New England University basketball player, Sikorski said, “My time here has blessed me with an opportunity to continue playing the game I love, as well as earning a degree in finance. I’ve met some great people along the way and all my teammates will be lifelong friends. I’ve also learned some very valuable lessons by playing on the basketball team that will help me become a better leader in life.”
Sikorski also took some time to reflect on his basketball career coming to an end, saying, “It’s definitely sad to think about, but I’m going to do what I can with my team to try and make this season last as long as possible. I’ve made some great memories over the years, and I’ll never forget my time here. Coach Tabb is a great coach that has helped me become a better player, and I’ll miss playing for him.”
Sikorski has had quite the career as a Golden Bear basketball player, tallying over 1,451 points scored in his 5 seasons. Sikorski describes his past 5 years as a Western New England University basketball player with one word: “family.”
Congratulations to both the Men’s and Women’s Basketball team on their effort’s day in and day out throughout the entire season. Best of luck to the seniors of both teams that will go on to graduate Western New England University and pursue their future goals in life.
