The women’s basketball team came away with a huge conference victory last Sunday against William ‘ Mary. The team was led by sophomore forward Kendra Walton, who scored 16 points and had six rebounds in 25 minutes of playing time.

Walton’s performance was good enough to earn her this week’s Northeastern News Player of the Week honors.

The team was behind for most of the second half and down 10 points with seven minutes to go. They made a comeback and took the lead with two and a half minutes left, then held on for the win.

“It really felt good,” Walton said. “We had to fight hard to get a win and we knew we couldn’t let up at the end.”

She said that even though it has been a tough season, the 8-15 team is accustomed to being underdogs and they have used the “nothing to lose” mentality to keep themselves motivated through the hard times.

“I think we are going to be able to win the next couple games that we have coming up,” Walton said. “That will bring our [Colonial Athletic Association] standing up and hopefully we can do well in the tournament.”

Walton is a criminal justice major and said she is hoping that after graduation she will be able to work in probation.

Walton said she likes the idea of co-op and said that if she has a chance, she is interested in trying it out. However, Walton is unsure if she will be given that chance since both co-op cycles interfere with her season.

Back at her home in East Hartford, Conn., Walton enjoys having time off from basketball.

On top of the demands of being a college athlete, Walton also raises a son. The 21- year-old was quick to cite her son as her favorite extracurricular next to life on the basketball team.

Despite enjoying life in Boston, Walton said she does not have much time to see the city.

“Basketball takes place all year round,” Walton said. “We are always doing something basketball related.”

Walton said she appreciates being able to play under head coach Daynia La-Force Mann.

“We are a running team, which is something I like,” Walton said. “I think that coach knows how to use everyone in a position, which … they are good at.”

It has been a tough season so far for the Huskies who are only 3-10 in the CAA. But they are trying to turn it around and end the season strong.

Still, with a couple seasons left before she is done, Walton said she is looking forward to a brighter future.

“We are getting some good recruits [and] that should help us,” Walton said. “My teammates and I will have more experience playing together and hopefully we will play well together.”

– Jared Shafran,

News Correspondent