Women’s Basketball
As we hit the last stretch of games for this season, Women’s Basketball goes one for one this week.
On Jan. 28th, the Women’s Basketball team traveled to Omaha to play the College of Saint Mary. Women’s Basketball was able to pull out a big win of 74-68.
The players who had the biggest impact were senior Megan Chambers and redshirt junior Rylie Rice, scoring 17 points against the Flames.
Women’s Basketball continued the week by traveling to Orange City, Iowa, to take on Northwestern College on Jan. 31. Sadly, the Tigers suffered a loss of 67-80.
Rice continued a scoring streak of 23 points, with senior Megan Chambers scoring 21 points.
The Women’s Basketball team plays next at home against Concordia on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.
Mackenzie Pike
Cheer & Dance
Cheer and Dance competed this weekend at the Doane Invite on Jan. 31. The competition was held in Crete, Nebraska.
Dance came in very strong, placing 1st overall. Out of the five teams competing, Doane scored an 87.38 to be on top.
Cheer also had a good outcome, placing 2nd out of five teams. Cheer scored a 76.50 at the invite.
Both teams will compete at the York Crown Classic in York, Nebraska, on Feb. 6.
Mackenzie Pike
Preseason Softball
With the first game of the season coming up next week, the Doane softball team is entering its season with a focused but eager mindset. The team is using the preseason to identify areas for growth and prepare for conference play later in the spring.
“We want to be playing our best softball in March and April when it really matters,” senior Jaiden Papik said.
Practices have centered around game-like situations, including high-pressure defensive scenarios and competitive at-bats. The goal, Papik said, is to stay composed during games by practicing situations the team is likely to face throughout the season.
According to Papik, the preseason has been busy both on and off the field. While practices have focused on fine-tuning skills and staying on the same page, players have also emphasized staying organized academically and prioritizing recovery.
Despite missing last spring and fall with an ACL injury, Papik said she feels confident heading into the season. The rehab process helped her develop patience and discipline, and Papik said she’s ready to compete again.
Team goals build off last season’s success, when Doane made a strong run in the conference tournament. This year, the focus is on competing deep into conference play and finishing closer to the top of the standings.
Conference games remain a highlight for the team, bringing a different level of intensity and competitiveness.
Balancing academics and athletics remains a priority within the program. For Papik, the balance includes graduate coursework, substitute teaching, and softball during her fifth year of eligibility.
Looking ahead, Papik is most excited to return to the routine of the season, like competing on weekends, traveling with her teammates, and representing Doane. She also added that this year’s team brings strong depth, leadership and chemistry, which should show a lot more once the season begins.
Eliyah Lara-Johnson
