August 19, 2012

Women's Basketball In Italy: Bobcats Wrap-Up Trip In Lake Como

Women's Basketball In Italy Photo Homepage

The Bobcats journeyed to their final location of their Italian tour, Lake Como, on Saturday, Aug. 18. Lake Como is located in northern Italy right along the border of the Swiss Alps. The nearly five hour bus ride from Venice allowed for the players, coaches, and staff to build up energy and relax on their last game day while in Europe. During the bus ride the players enjoyed watching "The Tourist" starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, a movie that took place right in Venice, allowing the players to recognize the scenes in the movie from the places we visited just the other day.  Once we reached the hotel, located just a short walk from the lake, the team gathered their belongings and settled in before the game.

The team gathered in the lobby preparing to board the bus to Cernobbio, a small town not too far from the hotel. Many of the players from All Star Italia were recognized in uniform for their official team, Amici del Campetto, playing again today. As tip off got under way Quinnipiac outscored Amici del Campetto, 42-29, in the first half of play.

The Bobcats came out attacking the basket in the second half, while stifling Amici on defense en route to a 82-50 win. Sophomore Samantha Guastella had a stellar performance, racking up 19 points for Quinnipiac, with 12 coming in the first half. Sophomore forward Nikoline Ostergaard dominated the second half with eight points before finishing with 13 for the game. Junior Brittany McQuain and freshman Maria Napolitano were solid on defense, while also combing for 17 points as the Bobcats cruised to their third win in as many games against their Italian counterparts.
Sunday, Aug. 19, marked the final day of the team's Italian Tour. Ending the last day in Lake Como, the team had a relaxing day while taking in the beautiful scenic lake and the community that surrounds it. The team enjoyed spending the morning out on a boat, riding the coast filled with beautiful villas that surround the lake. The tour also included cruising by famous actor George Clooney's estate, right on the water. Unfortunately he was not there to welcome the team! The group spent about an hour on the boat before stopping at Bellagio, Lake Como's most well-known town that rests right on a mountain. Bellagio is most known for the steep streets and quaint shops along the roads. The area also has many gardens such as Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni that many of the student-athletes walked through for pictures and to gaze at the scenery. The team enjoyed walking the streets and picking up last minute souvenirs for people back home and for themselves.

After spending some time in Bellagio, the team hopped aboard the water taxi to take us to the Como area for the team to get lunch and tour the area on their own. Some decided to travel up one of the mountainsides via The Brunate Funicular, a mountain side tram, to take in breathtaking views of the entire countryside that was below. Some players decided to hang out by the hotel pool while others walked around the town to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, while also grabbing lunch and some gelato. Tonight the team will have their final dinner in Italy and will have a chance to spend the night in Cernobbio. Tomorrow begins our trip home, back to the United States.  The trip has been nothing but a great experience for all of the players and staff!