The stands were flooded with purple, white, and gold as the Mount’s basketball team prepared for their second game against longtime rival, Gwynedd Mercy. With the sound of the buzzer, Mount’s shooting guard, Chloe McGrorty ’23, got the ball rolling, scoring a three-point shot within the first thirty seconds of the game: an experience she described as “electric.” 

Electricity seemed to be a recurring feeling for players and spectators alike. The overwhelming support of both the student body and faculty fueled anticipation and confidence within the players as they began their warmups.

When talking about Coach Feeney’s pre-game words, McGrorty said, “He told us to go out there and show them who wants to win more,” and it was clear that the Mount did. 

Another major piece of motivation for the team, this was the Coaches vs. Cancer game. Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaboration with the National Association of Basketball Coaches and American Cancer Society whose mission is to raise cancer awareness through basketball. The Mount team raised over $4,500 in support of the cause. 

Aside from the obvious rivalry, the team also welcomed two key players, Kiersten Pumilia ’23 and Lauren Hoffman ’23, back onto the court. With them back, the team regained connection and broke their minor losing streak. 

McGrorty expressed that even after the time off, she and Hoffman promoted great communication on the court. Both made their presence known with pivotal plays and connection with each other as well as the other players on the team.  

Students in particular were passionate about the game. Mary Kate Andress ’23 was one student who felt strongly about increasing attendance and building hype. 

Andress said, “The days leading up, we were in everyone’s ear — I even went to the cafeteria to flicker the lights. Making people aware of how fun the games can be is the best way to get more people involved.” 

It seems that this tactic of getting students to the gym made a great impact on the players and their mindset. Power forward Georgia Pickett ’23  felt that the energy was infectious on and off the court. Both Pickett and McGrorty loved the way that the student section felt throughout the game. 

Pickett was particularly fond of the support after the game. She recalls being lifted off of the ground and into the air after teammates and student spectators stormed the court. “It was epic,” Pickett said.

The team hopes to see the same amount of support in their upcoming rematch with Gwynedd in the AACA Semi-Finals this Saturday, February 11, at LaSalle College High School: a can’t-miss Mount event!