After an unprecedented 10-2 finish in conference for the 2014-2015 season, the varsity girls basketball team finished as champions. It was the first time this team has achieved this title since 2005, a full decade. Now, after six varsity team members have graduated, three of them starters, the team is working hard to continue its dominance.

“This year our team is rather new, and we’re doing well trying to figure out how to play with each other,” co-captain Nina Scaramella ’16 said. “Last year, we had all played together so we didn’t need this kind of adjustment.”

It is the third year on varsity for Scaramella and one of her two other co-captains, Emily Pender ’16.

“We do have more new members on the team this year, but it’s exciting because we already have a solid base of returning players and the addition of all this new talent will only add to our successes this season,” Pender said.

It is also the third season with the varsity team for head coach Paul Krick.

“From everything I’ve seen, this team is dedicated and they believe in one another,” Krick said.

Despite the players’ enthusiasm, a major setback for the players was news that reached the team in July. Co-captain and star player Pender had torn her ACL and meniscus. She would not be able to play until late into the season at earliest, Krick said.

“The support of my teammates has been invaluable,” Pender said. “Their encouragement has motivated me so much in my recovery and fight to get back on the court later this season and I think the whole experience has allowed us to grow closer as a team. “

As the season progresses, this closeness only increases, Scaramella said.

“We all get along really well, which has helped create great team chemistry that translates out on the floor from all of the players really well,” Scaramella said. “We’re passionate about winning, but also about having a good time overall.”

The desire to keep pushing themselves is what keeps the team strong, Pender said.

“Everything begins and ends with our ability to play together,” Krick said. “We are going to continue improving fundamentals and our toughness in practices and games all season long.”

The team’s next game is tomorrow, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. against St. Joseph’s at the North Campus field house.

“We always want to keep pushing ourselves to improve each year,” Pender said. “We won conference last season and would love to do it again this year.”