Layoff comes at opportune time

The lady Wolverines had an unusual amount of time to kill last week. Without a game scheduled until Jan. 24, Utah Valley has had plenty of time for some rest and relaxation. Coach Cathy Nixon gave her team a few days off, and has seen the benefits of a rejuvenated team in practice.

Nixon compared her team to a thoroughbred horse that has rested and is ready to break out of the gate. She said, “The break has been very welcome and very productive.”

The Wolverines have had ample time to focus on themselves as a team and as individuals. They’ve had time to rest nagging injuries and improve on individual fitness.

Having lost two games in a row, Utah Valley will take to the court again next Thursday as they travel to take on Cal State Bakersfield. The Wolverines haven’t won on the road since Dec. 1, when they set a school record by hitting 14 three-pointers in a win at Air Force. The long layoff could be just the thing to jump-start the Wolverines on the road.

The schedule swings back in favor of Utah Valley as they return for a three-game home stand following their bout with Bakersfield. The home stand will bring other Independent league teams to the Mckay Center that should be easy wins for the Wolverines. They will also hit the road to face the same foes and will have a chance to have some much needed road wins.

As the season creeps toward the post-season, Utah Valley at 13-5 will likely finish with their best record in their division 1 history. The much-needed break could be the refresher this team needs to finish the season strong and collect some important road wins.