Monday, August 07, 2000Team ties take XU women to Finland
Hoping to win, bond as group
By Michael Perry
The Cincinnati EnquirerFor several years, the Xavier women's basketball players from Finland have had a chance to visit the homes of their teammates and meet their families. Now they have a chance to reciprocate.
The Musketeers leave today for the first overseas trip in the program's history. XU is coming off a 26-5 season, its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, and should be a preseason top-25 team this season.
Coach Melanie Balcomb views this trip as more of a chance for her players to bond. Basketball is secondary.
“Our team chemistry is already very good, but it might make a difference to go away together,” Balcomb said. “We're really using this more as an experience together as a team rather than being very competitive.”
Xavier will play four games, including one against the Finnish National Team. The games, practices and itinerary were set up by former player Susanna Stromberg, the first of the Musketeer recruits from Finland.
Taru Tuukkanen, who will be a senior, followed. Then came Elina Pasola — who has since transfered — and Reetta Piipari. All four are anxious to invite the XU players and coaches into their homes and introduce their families.
“The kids are really excited,” Balcomb said. “They've become family with these kids from Finland. We're not just going to see another country. These families will bring out the red carpet for us. They can't wait to show us around.
“The last couple years, we've talked about (the trip) because the players (from Finland) have had a strong desire to show us where they're from and show us their culture.”
XU has not been practicing because so few players are available. Tuukkanen and Piipari have been home in Finland. Katie Griggs had back surgery in April and may not play on the trip. Six newcomers have yet to hit campus.
Balcomb also wants to be careful not to burn out her players.
“I want to see what kind of shape my players are in,” she said. “They all stayed for the first summer session and worked very hard.”
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