US Team Handball Women's National Team

by: Jennifer Farrell

WEST POINT, NY- In the weekend leading up to two important Quebec League games, the WNT had a chance to sharpen their skills at the annual West Point Invitational.  Over the weekend, the WNT went 5-0 to take first place at the tournament, and WNT player and captain- Tomuke Ebuwei- was named MVP. These games were excellent preparation for the WNT, who will take-on Quebec League Champions and number-one ranked Champlain at home on March 11 & 12.

“The West Point tournament was nice because it helped us focus on improving our skills, especially on fast break,” said Head Coach Christian Latulippe.  “It was also nice to give valuable playing time to the less experienced players.” 

In fact, in addition to fielding the WNT, many players rotated to fill the roster on the “Outcast” team, giving several players three or more games a day.  The WNT saw many of the newer players stepping-up on the court, executing fast breaks, making one-on-one moves, and taking clean shots.  The goalies also stood out, with both Tabrekia Almon and Erika Vetter making some phenomenal saves. “The team had good legs over the weekend, and they showed great enthusiasm,” added Latulippe, “It was fun to watch.”

Although there were many great aspects of the West Point tournament, the fact remains that the WNT desperately needed this opportunity to clean up some of the problems that plagued them in the Quebec League during the last weekend in February.  Coach Latulippe and the WNT used this tournament as a training ground to work on the small details that are going to mean the difference between winning and losing a playoff spot in the Quebec League. 

For the most part, though, things are looking positive for this weekend’s games against Champlain.  It will definitely be a tough weekend, but if the WNT takes care of the details, as they did during the West Point tournament, then there should be some good competition.  For the WNT, this means staying focused, keeping the turnovers to a minimum, executing fast breaks, and respecting each other on defense.