The Phoenix Suns are not the only team in the nation working a winning streak – Loyola’s Lady Wolfpack downed the Southern University New Orleans Knights 73-56 on Monday night at The Den for their seventh straight win.

After the game, a high-spirited Dobee Plaisance remarked, “This was a huge game for us, as it starts the second round (of conference games). If we have a good start to the second round, we have a great shot at getting into the Top 25. Our ability to be on the verge of the Top 25 is a testament to the quality of these young women.”

Trenell Smith, psychology freshman, scored a career-high 21 points on seven-for-seven shooting. She also tallied five boards and three assists. Dani Holland, criminal justice graduate, also had a productive all-around game with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Psychology freshman Trenese Smith added 13 points and five rebounds.

The ‘Pack started the game on a 10-4 run and Southern never got the game closer than that. They played focused and disciplined basketball, while maintaining high energy and a frantic pace. They simply ran the Knights out of the gym.

Holland said, “We are finally getting into the flow of things. This team has hit some bumps, but everybody is fitting into our roles and we are coming together as a team. Dobee keeps us real focused. She reminds us to focus on the next game, and to take it one day at a time.”

Point guard Trenell Smith mentioned that, “Coach told us to attack and to make them tired. We had to keep pushing it. I am very excited (about this win).”

As the wins keep pilling up, don’t expect a let down from this special group.

“Oh, we take it one game at a time. We won’t take anything fore granted”, affirmed forward Trenese Smith.

A few notes from the game:

The Good – All season, senior leader Kiely Shorck, mass communication senior, has had the courage to take and make cold-blooded threes. She made two last night, and they were huge momentum builders. Her leadership and willingness to do all the little things is what makes this team go.

The Bad (as in good) – Trenell Smith was unguardable last night. They tried to stop her with three different defenders, none of which could slow her down. She connected on six consecutive three-point-plays on drives to the hoop, and she hit every free throw. Now, I am not a historian, but that has to be some kind of record. If it isn’t, it was still ridiculous to watch.

The D-Wadeian – Once again, I am not an English major, but I’m pretty sure this is a real word, and if it is, Dani Holland captured its true meaning. With 14 minutes left in the second half, and the shot clock winding down, Holland shook her defender at the elbow. She took off from the second block of the key, and hung in the air, and hit a sweet reverse lay up backwards, over her head. If you can’t picture it, go on Youtube and type in Dwyane Wade Highlights. It’ll be on there. When asked about the play, Holland said, “I just penetrated and hung in the air. That’s one of my favorite shots”. Oddly enough, Dwyane Wade is also her favorite player.

The Lady Wolfpack are back in action against Dillard on February 3 at 3 p.m.

Daniel Alvarez can be reached at [email protected].