By Bei Jia Viggiano ’28
Sports Editor
As mid-November nears, Mount Holyoke’s basketball team has been preparing for the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
On Friday, Oct. 31, the Lyons competed in a scrimmage against Russell Sage College on Mount Holyoke turf in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Though the results of the scrimmage were not officially recorded due to the score resetting after each quarter, the match served as a warm-up for the season. Student-athletes on the basketball team had much to say regarding their preparation for the season, which began on Sunday, Nov. 9.
“We have mainly been going over offensive movement and defensive expectations,” Ashtyn DiRienzo ’29 said in an email to Mount Holyoke News. “Our practices typically involve reinforcing these ideas and oftentimes adding to them. I believe this repetition and gradual additions to the existing framework [have] been a helpful tool.”
The first game of the season was against Sarah Lawrence College on Sunday, Nov. 9, in Bronxville, New York. The season will run from November 2025 to February 2026, ending with a home game against the United States Coast Guard Academy on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at 1 p.m.
“When challenges arise in practice, such as a lack of energy or hustle or not meeting shooting goals, the team always stands up to the challenge and often bounces back better than before,” DiRienzo explained. “We work harder each attempt until we get it right, building on communication and strategy each time.”
This season will include matches against Plattsburgh State University of New York, Fitchburg State University, Lesley University, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, Babson College, MIT, Springfield College and more.
“I think the team has really become close with one another, and many of the first years feel at home,” DiRienzo continued. “It’s a lot of work and takes a lot of time out of our days, but we find a way to push through and make it work.”
“Personally, I’m still trying to find my place and confidence, but I think with time I’ll reach a good spot,” DiRienzo said. “I’ve greatly enjoyed the practices and how we are held accountable during the sessions. We are always encouraged to strive higher and play hard.”
Though the outcome of the team’s season has yet to be determined, the basketball team is committed to giving each game its all.
“I think my favorite philosophy of Coach’s is that, if you make a mistake, go with it 100%,” DiRienzo concluded. “If you make the wrong cut, cut hard and fast. If you’re in the wrong spot, hustle to the right place. Don’t second-guess yourself, just make the most of what you’re doing.”
Mount Holyoke’s basketball team will next face the University of Massachusetts Boston on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. in Boston, Massachusetts.
Jillian Stammely ’28 contributed fact-checking.