The Hamilton women’s basketball team (7–1) took to the court for their second home game of the 2019–20 season in Hamilton’s Margaret Bundy Scott Field House on Monday, Dec. 9 to play the Utica College Pioneers. First years Emma Sehring ’23 and Olivia Davis ’23, as well as sophomore transfer from Siena College, Claire Sehring ’22, contributed productive minutes while wearing their white home uniforms for the second time in their careers.
The Sehring sisters, who are from Sauquoit, N.Y., are both forwards on the women’s basketball team. Against the Pioneers, Emma Sehring scored eight points and had six rebounds, while Claire Sehring added 11 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Davis, who is from Norwalk, C.T., scored the first points of her career and ended the game with seven total points, two steals and one block.
After the 92–53 win against Utica College,
The Spectator
spoke with the three newcomers to discuss their first season as Continentals and their hopes both for this season and future seasons to come.
Spectator
: What is the biggest difference between high school basketball and college basketball?
Davis
: The biggest difference between high school and college basketball is definitely the pace of the game. Everyone is stronger and faster and I’ve learned so far that I have to be willing to always push myself to keep up.
E. Sehring
: I definitely agree with Olivia that pace is the biggest difference.
C. Sehring
: Yes, the pace and overall strength of the players is very different in college.
Spectator
: What is the best part of playing basketball at Hamilton so far?
E. Sehring
: The best part is definitely the team. It’s like a little family that I was able to feel a part of right as I set foot on campus.
C. Sehring
: Like Emma said, the best part about being on a team is that you have a family that always has your back and you can go to with anything.
Davis
: I agree with the sisters; the best part of playing basketball at Hamilton for me has definitely been how close our team is. I always know that I can rely on my teammates for anything. It’s one big support system. It has been difficult adjusting to expectations on the court because as a freshman I don’t want to mess up, but the team has been there for me every step of the way and that has made the adjustment much easier.
Spectator
: Do you have any pre-game rituals that you follow?
Davis
: I don’t have any pre-game rituals, but I do have to listen to whatever playlist I’m vibing with before I play.
E. Sehring
: I have no pre-game rituals.
C. Sehring
: Prior to the games, I take a 20 minute pre-game nap and I also listen to the same songs before each game.
Spectator
: Which NESCAC team are you most looking forward to playing this season?
Davis
: I am looking forward to playing Trinity College because I know that we owe them for last year!
E. Sehring
: I am looking forward to playing Colby this season because last year [Hamilton] only lost to them by one point.
C. Sehring
: I would say Amherst, but I also want to say Wesleyan because I came and watched the game last year and it was a tough loss so we have to get them back this year!
Spectator
: What are your expectations for the team this season?
Davis
: One expectation that I have for the team this year is good chemistry on the court. This is something that we have shown already since the beginning of the season.
E. Sehring
: My expectations for the team this season are to win more games than last season and improve as a whole.
C. Sehring
: My expectations for the team are also to take a big step forward from last season and make it to the NESCAC tournament!
Spectator
: Who is your favorite basketball player?
Davis
: Obviously Jayson Tatum.
C. Sehring
: Definitely Giannis Antetokounmpo.
E. Sehring
: My favorite basketball player is every player on the Hamilton women’s basketball team.
Davis, Claire Sehring and Emma Sehring are all looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season has in store. Their last game before winter break is on Wednesday, Dec. 11 as they will be traveling to William Smith to take on the Herons. Davis and the Sehring sisters, as well as the rest of the team, are also looking forward to competing in the Nashville Music City Classic tournament in Nashville, T.N. over winter break.
