Women’s basketball had two big games this week. Both teams they played were in the top 15 in the entire state. They played number 13, Wakefield, and number 2 Southeast Alamance. At the moment, the Gators are unranked.
They had an impressive win against Wakefield on Tuesday. The score ended up being 49-48, with a free throw by Sophomore Anwita Ambalavanan securing the win.
This is Ambalavanan’s first year on varsity, and this game was a revenge game for her.
“Last year I was going to get the game-winning free throw on JV, but then I missed it,” Ambalavanan said, “So I feel like it was a full circle moment that I made it this year, especially on varsity.”
Wakefield is not only ranked number 13 in the state, but they are also the runner-ups from the 2024-25 State Championship. This win against Wakefield was a massive upset, and getting to do it at Wakefield in front of their student section was an amazing experience for the Gators. It was an intense game since the score was so close.
Nadeen Daher is a Junior shooting guard on the team, and she has been on the team all three years.
Daher said, “Beating Wakefield in their season opener was an amazing feeling because they walked in thinking they were going to beat us.”
Senior captain Claire Barber also got her 1000th career point in this game.
“I think because it was such a close and stressful game, I didn’t even think about it as much because we were all just focused on winning.”
She is a pivotal part of this team and is the point leader. She’s a point guard and is committed to Emory to continue her athletic and academic career next year.
“The main thing I was looking for was a good balance of athletics and academics, so Emory really stood out to me for that,” said Barber, “I also love that the staff and team were so welcoming, I am super excited!”
Leading such a great group of players in her senior year is truly special.
Barber said, “We are all super close and I love spending time with them.”
The Gators played Southeast Alamance on Thursday and played a hard-fought game that ended in a 51-80 loss. Ambalavanan had the most points of the game with 12, and Barber was a close second with 11.
After this week, the team is 2-1 and is looking to get another win at Knightdale on Tuesday, November 25th. Come out to support your gators!
