By Olivia Trasser
Correspondent
With three games already under their belt, the College’s women’s basketball team is gearing up for a promising season led by seniors Nina Branchizio and Arianna McCleod. As co-captains, Branchizio and McCleod bring leadership, experience and skill that have already shone in the team’s performances this season.
Branchizio, a sharpshooter who recently surpassed 200 career 3-pointers, a milestone reached by only one other player in program history, has been a consistent offensive force for the Lions.
In Sunday’s Morin Memorial Tournament championship game against Williams College, she scored a team-high 14 points and made four 3-pointers.
Branchizio’s ability to stretch the floor with her shooting and all-around hustle was evident as she played all 40 minutes of the game.
Meanwhile, McCleod has showcased her scoring ability and leadership, dropping a career-high 22 points in Saturday’s 91-53 rout of Framingham State.
“Nina and I have embraced our roles as leaders by leading through not only words but by our actions,” said McCleod. “We understand the importance of setting a strong example, whether it’s staying positive through tough games or helping keep the team focused and motivated during practices.”
McCleod emphasized the team’s commitment to creating a culture of perseverance and growth.
“We’ve worked hard throughout the preseason to create a culture where everyone is driven to be the best on and off the court regardless of any setback or obstacle in the way, and we’ve had a few so far this season already,” she said.
The Lions currently hold a 2-1 record. The team dominated Framingham State with an explosive third quarter, shooting 14 of 19 from the field, and showcased their balanced offense, with four players scoring in double figures.
However, they experienced some challenges in the championship game against Williams, enduring scoreless droughts that led to a narrow 55-49 defeat.
Despite the ups and downs, the senior duo remains focused on fostering growth among their teammates.
“With a younger roster, I think we’ve had to focus on creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable growing and even making mistakes,” McCleod said. “We understand how difficult transitioning from high school to college can be, and we know what it takes to become elite players.”
The team’s depth is another strong point, with contributions from players like junior Grace Kowalski, who has scored in double figures in all three games, and sophomore Katie Fricker, who tied her career high with 21 points against Framingham State.
McCleod believes that her and Branchizio’s leadership roles have pushed them to elevate their performances.
“In a way, being role models for our teammates helps us push ourselves individually. It holds us accountable because we want to lead by example,” McCleod said. “Being both role models and standout performers takes a lot of hard work and dedication.”
The pair also credit their teammates and coaching staff for fostering a dynamic collaborative team.
“What helps us is the support we receive from our coaches and teammates, it’s easy to be role models for teammates who respect our leadership and understand what it takes to be a successful team,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Lions will face Stevens this Saturday in what promises to be another competitive matchup. With Branchizio and McCleod leading the way, the College’s women’s basketball team is poised to make a statement this season.
“Our goal is to take it one game at a time, stay disciplined, and continue building chemistry,” McCleod said. “We’ve leaned on our experience from previous seasons to guide our younger teammates. We’re excited to see how far we can go.”
Fans can expect this senior duo to lead the charge with their determination, skill and commitment to making this season one to remember.
