The women’s basketball team makes its second consecutive trip to the Sweet 16, and the outcome will be crucial. With a victory, the Jeffs will advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals and set the record for the furthest postseason run in program history. However, NYU, who has been having a stellar year, will be no easy opponent.

Sophomore star Jaci Daigneault will need to continue her impressive season as the team’s scoring and rebound leader if the Jeffs want to keep their national championship dreams alive. Fellow sophomore Sara Leyman will also be vital to the team’s offensive production. Meanwhile, the Jeffs will look to Shannon Finucane ’12 on offense and defense as the team leader in assists and steals.

The Jeffs are challenged by the Violets, led by senior captain Jessica McEntee, recently named UAA Player of the Year for the third consecutive time. Junior Grace Carmen is an additional offensive threat, while steals leader Jen Hum-Traverso ’10 is a defensive force.