The Bandits advance to 13-5 this season, adding the Panthers as another notch in their belt.
January 18, 2022
By Tara Gillespie
The annual Resurrection vs. Regina basketball matchup looked different this year, as COVID protocol restricted the usually packed student sections from attending. However, this did not stop the Bandits from dominating against their rivals in the Resurrection gym.
The student attendance was only a fraction of a typical Res vs. Regina matchup, but the students that were able to watch in-person cheered louder than they ever have. The theme for the student section on Thursday was Founding Fathers/USA, which was not by any means taken lightly.
The game started in a matchup of back and forth, as both teams didn’t get a lead of more than a couple baskets. The first half ended in a score of 20-14 Bandits, leaving room for the Panthers to easily come back stronger. However, the Bandits used their momentum to perform even more aggressively in the third quarter, which ended 37-23 Bandits.
The Bandits have an unusual varsity team dynamic. The roster has a mixture of several sophomores, juniors, seniors, and one freshman, Ava Stenson. Major improvements have been observed through the players, coaches, and the fanbase. Resurrection beat a tough opponent last week, St. Laurence, who they lost to the previous year. Another highlight in their season was winning against Depaul in overtime, thanks to a buzzer beater by Lileigh Walsh (‘23).
This game correlates with the Resurrection season, as the Bandits have been leaving with wins left and right. Team Manager, Olivia Esposito, attributes their success to having a team bond on and off the court. “There’s an overall great team chemistry, which allows for high quality communication during games. Our players know exactly what their best skills are and how to use them to their advantage” Esposito says.
In-person attendance is still expected to be limited for upcoming Resurrection games. If you can’t make it to the games, you can view the ND Media Crew’s Youtube Page, where Danny Berg (Notre Dame ‘23), Payton Marcus (Resurrection ‘23), and myself broadcast matchups.