Women take No. 6 to final ticks

By Michael BeDan and Nick Garner
The Metropolitan

In the past itâs been a time to grow and adjust to the rigors of what unravels as an odyssey, culminating with a run at postseason glory.

This season, for the Metro womenâs basketball team, the nonconference schedule mirrors American culture and its instant gratification motif.

Win. Now.

In its second tournament appearance in two weekends, the Roadrunners made it clear, even in defeat, they intend to explore every avenue in search of an identity.

An 80-77 overtime loss in the University of California at Davis Invitational to the No. 6 Aggies marked vast improvement over past preseason performances.

The Roadrunners are 4-1 with the West Texas A&M tournament title and brimming with confidence entering the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule. And Metroâs second run through the RMAC ÷ the Roadrunners moved to the RMAC in 1996 after the Colorado Athletic Conference folded ÷ looks to be a challenge to anyone in the conference.

ãWe have everyone back and four new faces,ä Metro coach Darryl Smith said. ãPeople know, especially in our conference, that we will guard anyone.ä

And it is with a swarming, man-to-man defense that Metro baffles opponents to create its offense. Shooting a frigid 35 percent for the season Metro relies on transition baskets to compensate for poor marksmanship.
ãAs the season goes on, we will get better,ä Smith said of his teamâs shooting woes.

But winning four of five to open the season and considering the opposition ÷ UC Davis and West Texas A&M both made it to the Division II Elite Eight last year ÷ the Roadrunners are off to one of the best starts in recent memory.

In 1994-95 Metro posted a 2-12 nonconference record before winning 12 straight CAC contests. In 1995-96, the last time the Roadrunners made it to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament, five of Metroâs seven losses came in the  early season.

But finishing strong is a trademark of Smithâs teams, and last yearâs early exit from the RMAC tournament might prove to be an aberration if this team continues to improve.

ãIâve always thought thatâs what a team is supposed to do,ä Smith said. ãWe work on things in the preseason to prepare for the conference.ä

Metroâs loss at UC Davis and consolation victory over Sonoma State showcased stellar sophomore Stephanie Allen. The budding star took home tournament MVP honors for the second time this season thanks in part to a career high 31-point performance against UC Davis.