DGS Interview: Queens College WBB Coach Elizabeth Naumovski

The Queens College Lady Knights have had a season full of ups and downs, to say the least. Currently sitting sixth in the ECC, the Knights have battled with injuries all year and have had to rely on underclassmen to step into big minutes. I sat down with Head Coach Elizabeth Naumovski of the Knights to discuss this transition and season:

Sam: Coach thank you for joining me on the ECC network. How’s the outlook been, having young players step up in the absence of veteran point guard Kaitlyn Mahon?

Coach Naumovski: I’m happy where we are right now in terms of conference standings. As you know, its been one of those seasons where what can go wrong will go wrong. But despite the injuries, our new kids have developed nicely into what we do, and with Mahon coming back next week, it will be another big key to our success.

A lot of our players have been playing out of position, and being asked to do things that they weren’t recruited to do. Overall its been a great growing experience. We feel were right in the playoff hunt, and in position to potentially host a game in the conference tournament.

Sam: You’re certainly an exciting team with players such Merrick Rowland, Beth Bonin and Marina Lopez that can score in bunches! Let’s also talk about Lucy Tougas and Emer Moloney. They have done an exceptional job playing bigger minutes and playing out of position. How big is it to have those two girls as additional scoring options come playoff time?

Coach Naumovski: Its huge! Emer does a lot for us that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, and is a great player on both ends of the floor. She’s a great leader, and somebody who will not only dominate practice, but is now showing that on game day as well. Lucy has had to do so much for us as a freshman, and having to also play multiple positions just shows how mature she is for an underclassman.

Sam: Let’s also talk about Beth Bonin. With the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court and the ability to finish inside amongst the trees, how has her offense been able to come alive this season?

Coach Naumovski: We give Beth a lot of room to play. Not only can she be fun to watch, but really has a knack for the game. Sometimes she can hang herself with that rope we give her, but thats something you live with because she’s so gutsy and can hit big shots for you. On top of that she’s only a sophomore and there is a lot on her shoulders right now. Beth really is arguably our best leader on and off the floor, and will continue to make huge plays.

Sam: In regards to a silver lining, how clutch could this stretch of games with only seven players be when it comes to playoff basketball? Having to push everybody to go over and beyond must make you guys the team nobody wants to face.

Coach Naumovski: Another coach told me this week, we may be the most dangerous team right now. We’re starting to get healthy, and the positive in regards to a silver lining is we have players getting better in those extra minutes. Everyone has had no choice but to take on more responsibility, and to improve and get better.