It’s a very happy new year

Fresh off a three-week hiatus for winter break, the Lions returned rejuvenated, winning four of their first six games in January.,New Year’s is a time for wiping the slate clean and making resolutions. After losing the final two games of 2005, it would appear the Emerson’s women’s basketball team decided to greet 2006 with a simple resolution of its own: win.

Fresh off a three-week hiatus for winter break, the Lions returned rejuvenated, winning four of their first six games in January. In doing so, they have brought their record back to an even .500, (7-7).

The new year also marked the return of senior guard/forward and co-captain Molly O’Keefe, who spent the fall semester at Emerson’s Los Angeles program. O’Keefe said she stayed in shape by working out and playing pick-up basketball games whenever she could.

Head coach Melissa Hart has yet to start O’Keefe in her first six games back, opting instead to use her off the bench.

“It’s been an adjustment for her,” Hart said. “She’s such a great spark off the bench and she makes us stronger. She’s brought great intensity and leadership to the team and she brings us the experience of having played for three years.”

O’Keefe said coming back has been tough, as she has had to adjust to playing basketball at the collegiate level again.