The first win of the season for the UNF women’s basketball team came Nov. 30 against Wofford College at the UNF Arena.

Teamwork, communication and hard work were the main components contributing to the Ospreys’ 71-60 win, said UNF women’s basketball head coach Mary Tappmeyer.

In the first half, the Ospreys trailed 23-26. But after entering the second half and accumulating 20 turnovers, they caught up and took a 48-34 lead.

“We challenged the girls at halftime to come out and play to win and to not play scared,” Tappmeyer said. “I thought they really stepped up to that challenge. Our rebounding got a little bit better in the second half. We still have to work on our defensive rotations though.”

Redshirt freshman guard Kim Baker came off the bench with 13 minutes left in the game and assisted the Ospreys defensively and offensively by challenging the posts and acting as a defensive stopper.

The Ospreys recorded 16 steals, 15 assists and two blocks.

“In practice we focus on defense, and this really helps prepare for the games,” said senior guard Jennifer Bowen, about the amount of pressure she felt.

Freshman guard Brittany Kirkland had five turnovers, four assists and three steals.

“[Kirkland] brought so much energy to the game, and everyone just fed off of that,” Bowen said. “Everyone really stepped up and had a ton of great passes.”

The Ospreys had consistent intensity throughout the entire game allowing them a 40.3 shooting percentage.

“Coach [Tappmeyer] always asks me if I’m nervous, and I always say no,” Kirkland said. “But I was a little nervous going into this game. I had to get the job done.”

By encouraging each other on the court, the Ospreys were able to pull together, keep a tight knit defense and gain one of many wins this season.

UNF plays its next home game against Lipscomb University at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4.

E-mail Heather Furey at [email protected].