Loyola women fall short of first-ever conference title
BALTIMORE - March is Women's History Month.
On the campus of Loyola University, history was not meant to be this year for the women's basketball team.
Loyola lost to American, 73-70, at home on Wednesday, missing out on its first regular-season conference title in program history.
But, the Greyhounds have plenty to play for this season.
They open the Patriot League Tournament on Monday against Army.
These early March practices have a different vibe for the Loyola women's basketball team.
The Greyhounds were tied for first place in the Patriot League going into Wednesday's game.
They have won 15 games this season despite winning just 15 in the past three seasons combined.
Their incredible improvement has been fueled by hard work.
Now, they have the opportunity to see it pay off with a championship, and possibly, postseason play.
"I just think we are in a position it never felt like before," Loyola guard Kelly Ratigan said. "The locker room vibes are different. The energy at practice is different."
"It's been fun to be along for the ride with our team," coach Danielle O'Banion said. "That's been the best part of the deal, knowing they are coming into the practice gym, weight room, film sessions, locked in and looking to get better."
Ava Therien has been through the lean years at Loyola.
She is now a graduate student and is part of a family legacy at the school.
Therien played with her older sister, Isabella, for a season and is now getting a chance to play with her younger sister, Lexi.
Lexi Therien originally committed to Boston University, a Patriot League rival.
However, some sisterly persuading brought Lexi to Loyola.
"When Lex committed to Boston, I said I am going to have to play her for the next two years," Ava Therien said. "And I don't want to have to guard her. I'm like, 'Please come to Loyola.'"
The Therien sisters come from an athletic family.
Their father Chris played 12 seasons in the NHL, mostly with the Philadelphia Flyers.
So, we asked Ava about the fatherly advice she has been given during her hoops career.
"He has been telling me for years to let the game come to you and I don't think I realized that until this year," Ava Therien said. "I have to let the game come to me, try not to force anything. I think that's been one of the most important things he has taught me."