Orange happy to play rest of year at Manley
The date was October 24, 2008. Syracuse had just dropped a heartbreaking match to Cincinnati by a score of 3-2, leading the Orange on a downward spiral that culminated in a first-round defeat in the Big East tournament.
It was the first time that season in which the Orange had to make its annual transition from Manley Field House (its home court) to the Women’s Building, its longtime practice court.
But Syracuse (18-5, 7-1 Big East) won’t have to worry about such a midseason transition this year.
With the grand opening of the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center earlier this month, the women’s basketball team will no longer force the volleyball team into the Women’s Building at mid-season. It is the first time since SU began playing its home games at Manley in 1990, that the Orange will play all of its ‘home’ games on its home court.
‘It’s definitely nicer for the coaches when we’re in Manley because we can focus a bit more on what needs to get done before the match rather than all the setups,’ SU assistant coach Carol LaMarche said.
Last season, the team finished 2-2 in the Women’s Building, following its Oct. 16 switch. In 2009, SU is 9-0 at Manley Field House, posting a 2-0 record this past weekend against South Florida and Georgetown – games that would have been played in the Women’s Building in previous years.
‘We wanted to play in the Carmelo Anthony Center,’ said senior outside hitter Kacie MacTavish, jokingly.
But in reality, the SU players are definitely thrilled to stay where they have been so successful thus far this season.
‘The games just seem a little more professional in the Manley Field House with the big stands,’ MacTavish added. ‘We practice at the Women’s Building all the time, so I think playing in Manley and practicing at the Women’s Building separates game from practice, which is good. You get used to playing in one spot, and we’ve had some really good games at Manley, so we’re happy to stay.’
While senior middle blocker Sarah Morton agrees that SU should stay with the hot hand, she does admit that she felt a special connection to the Women’s Building, after playing there for three seasons.
‘I actually liked playing in the Women’s Building,’ Morton said. ‘It makes it seem like we have more fans. The fans can get more alive because it’s so small and they are right on the court. I personally like playing in the Women’s Building, but Manley is great too.’
The players aren’t the only ones who are delighted to be staying on their home court.
LaMarche admits that when the games are at the Women’s Building, she has more responsibilities to attend to. In addition to preparing for the opposition’s defense and formation, LaMarche and her graduate assistant have to set up the tables and the bleachers. While LaMarche doesn’t necessarily mind such tasks, she would prefer to have her mind solely on the game from the second she enters the gym.
In addition to Manley Field House being bigger than the Women’s Building, the facilities are also much improved. The sound system is clearer, the lighting is brighter, and the proximity of the arena draws more athletes and students to the games.
Ultimately, however, it all comes down to the psyche of the players on the court.
‘Manley is a nice big arena and it looks good,’ LaMarche added. ‘The girls know that when they get there, it’s match time.’
