Women seniors take court for last time

The Lyndon State College women's basketball team is losing two seniors after making the playoffs for the first time in the North Atlantic Conference.

Stephanie Barclay and Shauna Buck just finished off their last season as Hornets after losing to the University of Maine at Farmington on Feb. 22 in the first round of the NAC tournament.

"They are both going to be sorely missed," said women's basketball coach Vinnie Maloney.  "It's a big blow."

Barclay, a liberal arts major, was the starting point guard this year.  She played basketball all four years and became a leader on the court.

"She really stepped into that role," said Maloney.  "(Barclay) being a captain was a big leader.  She came into my office a week before the season even started and said, ‘coach I want to do everything I can to make this team successful and I'll do whatever you tell me to do.'  From her freshman year to her senior year she matured greatly.  (Barclay) ran our team and got us to where we needed to go."

"It was fun," said Barclay.  "I met a lot of friends that will probably last forever.  I'm going to miss seeing those people every day, having something to do every night.  I've played for 14 years on a team.   It's going to be weird next year not playing in the winter."

Buck also started and helped shape the attitude of the team on and off the court. Buck says the team's chemistry was an important factor in the team's success.

"This year was really good, we had a really good team," said Buck.  "It's just because we all played together. With the starting five we all know the way we play."

"It's going to be tough not being involved in the team," said Buck.  "I'm going to miss everyone I played with, that's the biggest part."

 "Shauna was definitely the defensive specialist," said Maloney in regards to what people knew her for.  "She brings a lot more than that.  She helped the team out in every aspect.  She worked her tail off and did everything she could to help the team out.  When she was out there it was a big difference in the tempo, the attitude, and the energy."

Barclay and Buck were major reasons why the team went from 2-12 in the NAC a year ago to 7-7 this year and earning a playoff spot.

"Those two were a big part of that success," said Maloney.  "Not just the skill level that they brought, but the experience."

More than just basketball, the two players were also great representatives for the school.

"They both brought an atmosphere to this college that we want to have here on campus," said Maloney.  "Not just as basketball players, they are both great students."