The Northeastern women’s basketball team kicked off its season in November and has struggled to get its footing, starting with a 1-5 record. 

Last season, the Huskies finished with a 10-17 record and only had six healthy players left on their roster after a slew of injuries. Moving into this season, the roster has gone through significant changes as the team had eight graduating seniors last year, requiring a wave of new talent. 

Redshirt sophomore guard Abby Jegede is one of the newest additions to the team and has been making her impact on the court. Jegede transferred to Northeastern from Villanova University after hearing about the coaches’ rebuilding plans and the way Boston reminded her of her hometown, Toronto. The level of Northeastern’s academic programs were added bonuses. Jegede is the team’s leading scorer by 27 points and has so far averaged 11.4 points per game. 

One of Jegede’s biggest goals for the season is to win the CAA tournament, but she is equally focused on the journey and growing close bonds with her teammates, she said. 

“My favorite part has to be the friends I made. I have never been on a team with this many international people, so that’s been pretty cool because I’ve always been the only one that was far from home,” Jegede said. “It’s been cool having that community and whenever there’s holidays, we’re always able to hang out together [and have] that family vibe.”

Freshman forward Taylor Holohan has also been leaving her mark. Holohan leads the team in rebounds and steals and is the third-leading scorer. She and Jegede are the only players to start every game this season — making themselves an indispensable duo. 

Although it’s early in the season, the team has already struggled with injuries. Sophomore point guard Yirsy Quéliz suffered a concussion and missed the first two games of the season, but is back and ready to play for the Huskies. In her first three games, Quéliz scored a total of 30 points. For Quéliz, this team is different from last year’s in many ways, and she hopes to be a strong component in her team’s success. 

“We are definitely playing a different style. We have [many] new players, so most of it is different and the pace of how we want to play is different, too,” Quéliz said. “For me, [my goals are] definitely be a better leader and teammate on the court and just have better game than last year.” 

Head coach Priscilla Edwards-Lloyd says the teams’ areas for improvement are “play[ing] more connected” and “with more consistent effort.” Key ideas for the Huskies are the importance of effort and “not growing weary,” she said.

“Our goals are to learn how to compete, be competitive in everything we do and build our culture long-term, which is developing the mindset to be champions,” Edwards-Lloyd said. 

Jegede said the team also needs to continue to work on its competitiveness and fight to win games. In its last five matchups, the Huskies have been out-rebounded 201-152, had 21 more turnovers and been outscored 355-253. 

“[The other teams were] a lot more aggressive and physical than we were. There were times when they were outrunning us and taking the ball from us, so I think being more greedy and more physical is something that we’re going to need to do to be able to compete,” Jegede said. “Every team, no matter how talented they are, if they want it more, then they’re going to get it, so we just have to want it more than everybody else. I think that’s the one thing that we’re trying to bring out of everybody right now — to have that will to win and hate losing.” 

However, Jegede says that the different talents of each individual on the team and the camaraderie they are building is a strong point that will grow stronger as the season progresses. 

“Individually, everybody brings something different to the table, which is what I think is going to work well for us once we are able to start playing together more,” Jegede said. “That’s what’s going to make us play well because it’s hard to guard a team with people that can do different things. Once everybody’s able to do their role, it’s going to all come together.” 

Although the Huskies’ record is not where they would like it to be right now, Edwards-Lloyd feels this season is important for rebuilding the program and support is vital in the team achieving their goals. 

“I think all programs that have become powerhouses. When you look back into those early years, it was rough, but with that, you continue to develop what you’re trying to do long term. You bring in the right players, get people believing and it requires support,” Edwards-Lloyd said. “This is a program that hasn’t had much success over the past extended period of time, so what we’re trying to do is a challenge, but it can be done. We need to continue to stay the course and believe and need people to continue to support us, even through the rough times.” 

As the Huskies move forward with the rest of the season, they are looking to be a competitive force in conference play. Northeastern’s first conference game will be Jan. 3, 2025 in Cabot Center against the Stony Brook Seawolves (3-1, 0-0 CAA).  

“I’m excited for the season,” Quéliz said. “I think it’s going to be a good one, so don’t sleep on us.”