After a Thanksgiving break full of high-level college and professional football, sports fans can now switch their focus to cheering on the Continentals as Hamilton’s winter sports teams bring the heat. Men’s and women’s basketball, as well as men’s hockey, are all undefeated, pointing to hopeful prospects for the seasons that lie ahead and also giving students all the more reason to come out and show their support.
On Tuesday night, the men’s basketball team defeated SUNY New Paltz 104–66 in a non-conference home game. This win was a continuation of their undefeated record after having defeated SUNY Oswego, Keystone, and Western Connecticut State, bringing them to a 4–0 overall average. The team hopes to take away another win this Friday in their home game against Utica College in the Field House at 7:00 p.m.
Men’s basketball players are not the only ones with their heads in the game as women’s basketball has also achieved a 4–0 undefeated record in their early season. On Monday, the team got the W over Utica College in a 52–40 victory. Speaking on her team’s undefeated season, Samantha Srinivasan ’18 acknowledged the hard work of her team members that has made this success possible; “After last season, we discussed how, in order to succeed, we needed to improve our individual skillsets and come back in better condition. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our hard work pay off.” The team will head out to Morrisville State College this Friday to take on the Mustangs in another non-conference game.
These successes have not come without hard work. Winter athletes know all too well the struggle of juggling seemingly endless hours of practice with other academic and extracurricular responsibilities. While many students enjoyed lengthy Thanksgiving breaks watching Netflix and spending time with family, players were on campus practicing. Showing support for the athletic members of our Hamily by attending upcoming games is a way to recognize the dedication and drive of student athletes. Even for non-sports fans, the synergy and coordination of teams that have obviously spent hundreds of hours practicing together is an inspiring sight to behold.
This Saturday’s Citrus Bowl is one such opportunity to show support for yet another undefeated Hamilton winter sports team: men’s hockey. The team has achieved a 3–1–0 record so far and hopes take the win against undefeated Trinity College at 7:00 p.m. this Saturday at the Sage Rink. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and come cheer your hardworking Continental friends as they bring the fire to the ice.
