By Alese Steinhardt and Alyssa Allemand
The Edgewood College Women’s Basketball team traveled to Puerto Rico near Old San Juan over winter break for the Puerto Rico Clasico tournament that was Dec. 17-20.
Ten teams participated in the tournament, each playing twice. Alongside Edgewood College was Emporia State University, the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon, the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Wesleyan, Alvernia University, Hanover College, Talladega College, the Metropolitan University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Puerto Rico-San Juan.
The Eagles lost to Mary Washington on Dec. 18, and won the last game of the tournament against Alvernia.
Fundraising for the trip began in fall 2017, and was originally intended for a tournament in Hawaii. At the beginning of this 2018-2019 school year, that tournament was cancelled and plans were made to attend the Puerto Rico Clasico instead.
Brooke Lonigro, a sophomore point guard on the team, said she thought the team played well in Puerto Rico.
“There was solid competition and we held our ground as we ended up going 1-1,” said Lonigro, who leads the team by running the offense and creating shots for her teammates.
Sophomore Kelly Carpenter is a center. She described her role on the team as, “Picking up my teammates when they are down, making sure they keep their heads up, and keeping the energy in the gym up.”
Carpenter said the trip was a good experience for the team. They enjoyed the beautiful country, relaxed by the pool, and of course, played basketball.
Lonigro agreed. “We also went on an excursion to a rainforest where we got to do a little hiking and get up close to waterfalls,” she said.
Team members were able to go to a couple tourist spots as well, such as Fortaleza Street, which has a multitude of colorful umbrellas strung above the walkway.
Although they did some relaxing, the team also volunteered their services. “While we were in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we went to the Boys and Girls Club and volunteered there to help them with some cleaning and organizing,” Carpenter said.
Overall, the trip to Puerto Rico was a good bonding experience for the team. “It was awesome to spend a week in luxury with my best friends while playing the sport we love,” Lonigro said.
Added Carpenter, “I would say this trip really brought our team together and can’t wait for another trip with them.”
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