University of Massachusets Athletics
Gerardot Stepping Up
January 31, 2006 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 31, 2006
Whenever a team is struggling to get wins, somebody must step up and help that team get over the hump. Somebody has to bring their game to a higher level. For the Massachusetts women's basketball team, that player has been freshman Stefanie Gerardot.
In UMass's back-to-back wins over Richmond and No. 25 George Washington, Gerardot has been nothing short of spectacular coming off the bench and helping her team get back on the winning track.
Each of those Atlantic 10 matchups were labeled as the "turning point" for a UMass season that has been full of frustration. And if the freshman guard from Indiana can continue to come off the bench and hit big shots, there will always be a place for her on the hardwood.
"She's proven herself the last two games," sophomore Kate Mills said after the 55-53 win over George Washington. "She deserves to be on that court, and she's doing a great job. We definitely respect and have confidence in her."
Gerardot turned in two consecutive career games in UMass's first two A-10 wins. She posted seven points and four rebounds in 18 minutes of play against Richmond on Jan. 19. She then she tallied a career-high eight points while playing 25 minutes the following Sunday afternoon, helping the Minutewomen knock off the No. 25 team in the nation.
There's no question that Gerardot's presence was felt in the win over Richmond, especially when her first basket of the game led to a momentum-changing free throw. Gerardot hit a jumper off the glass as she was fouled, sending her to the line to shoot one. The free throw gave the Minutewomen a 32-31 edge, and they held the lead for the rest of the game.
Sophomore Pam Rosanio was quick to compliment her teammate's performance.
"She definitely came in and stepped up big time," Rosanio said. "She's a natural shooter. We work after practice everyday together on our shots and on our foul shots, so I'm glad that she was able to come in and produce."
Gerardot's performance against Richmond earned her another opportunity to come off the bench against George Washington three days later. The Indiana native was oblivious to any big-game pressure as she went 3-for-6 from the field and drained both of her crucial 3-point attempts late in the game.
"I'm just glad we won," Gerardot said after the win over George Washington. "It's two in a row. We beat a great team, and it just proves what we're capable of doing. We just have to continue."
She does not seem to be phased by the pressure that could overwhelm a freshman in crucial situations. Instead, Gerardot is comfortable coming off the bench and taking the big shot. And why not? She has proven she can hit it.
"We need her to keep shooting," Rosanio said. "We have confidence in her because her shot is amazing."
While she may only be a freshman, Gerardot's teammates seem to have fallen in love with her game. The team gains confidence in her every time she steps onto the court. But it is her supporting cast that helps her block out any possible nerves.
"I like playing with my teammates," Gerardot said. "My teammates make me feel confident, and I feel good on the floor. I enjoy playing with them."
While we should not expect the young shooter to carry the team from here on out, coach Marnie Dacko believes that her minutes will begin to increase.
"She's a gamer," Dacko said. "She's just getting her feet wet. She knows where the basket is, and we're just trying to get her to play more and more defense. But we put her in and we didn't miss a beat. She knows how to score, so you're going to see more of her."