W. Hoops still looking for first-ever win over St. Joe's

The Quakers are 0-23 overall against their Big 5 rival, but they are not discouraged. With Saturday's St. Joseph's game steadily approaching, the Penn women's basketball team has a bit of advice for fans who may be examining the Quakers' past Big 5 performances: Don't be discouraged. While Penn may be 0-3 in Big 5 games this season and 0-23 overall against St. Joe's, these statistics are not affecting the team's attitude, according to coach Julie Soriero. "We really don't look at the Big 5 games as being any different from other non-conference games," Soriero said. "There may be a little more local rivalry and local incentive, but our intention is the same -- to work to get better for Ivy League competition." Calling the St. Joe's game a "reach game," Soriero acknowledged that it will challenge her team to play at a higher level. But she also noted that the Hawks would pose a challenge to any team in the Ivy League. "They'd be a reach for any Ivy team," Soriero said, "so if we can play at their level then that gives us an advantage when we begin our conference schedule." Judging by last year's 91-45 defeat, the Quakers clearly did not rise to the challenge. · Despite the fact that Penn has never beaten the Hawks in 23 attempts, the Quakers have thrown themselves into their claws in all but three years of the team's existence. Penn played St. Joe's during each of its first three seasons , took a three year respite, and has played them every year since. Clearly the Hawks' wrath has not deterred Penn from coming back for more. The Quakers seem determined to win or die trying. · One difference from last year, if the past few weeks are any indication, is that the Quakers can now count on at least 20 points from a new addition to their squad -- junior co-captain Mandy West. West scored 41 total points in the Quakers last two games against Temple and Lehigh to earn Big 5 Player of the Week. Her 124 points this season place her 37th in the country in scoring, tied with Hawaii's Raylene Howard. Furthermore, the guard is second to Brown's Vita Redding atop the Ivy League scoring list at 20.7 points per game. West is also 22nd in the country in free-throw shooting at 91 percent. · Judging by Penn's 1-5 record, West's numbers are not translating into wins. According to Soriero, her team's offense suffers when they become too West-obsessed. If the Quakers hope to win, all of the players will need to contribute. Penn needs to distribute the ball better and balance their inside and outside games. Sophomore forward Diana Caramanico is averaging 18.7 points per game and Jessica Allen recently showed her capabilities with a double-double against Temple. The Quakers clearly have the resources -- it is just a matter of utilizing them. According to Soriero, Penn has the best chance of winning when Caramanico matches West for a 20-point performance, while Allen and guards Erin Ladley and Sue Van Stone each chip in with between seven and 10 points. With this balanced attack, a neutralized West will not necessarily spell Penn's downfall. · The Quakers can at least find solace in the fact that help is on the way. Penn's early decision prospects include three post players that will add a total of 218 inches to the lineup. Jennifer Jones, a 6'1'' center, hails from Germantown Friends School, the same high school as Caramanico. The two forwards played together on an AAU team. "I love her," Caramanico said when informed of Jones decision to play for the Red and Blue. "I hope I had some effect on her coming here." Jones should be joined by Carolyn Fredrick, a 5'11'' forward from Scarsdale High School in New York and 6'2'' Cynthia Wilks of Cranberry High School in Franklin, Pa.