jessica hagerty/sports editorThe Dixon Center gym was filled with Cabrini pride on Thursday, Oct.25 for the Cavalier tip-off. With music blaring and fans cheering, the anticipation for the men’s and women’s basketball seasons grew.
The doors opened at 7:30 p.m. where the cheerleaders and dance team welcomed guests into the gym before the festivities began. Early arrivers were given a free t-shirt as well as popcorn and soda.
The events started with allowing students to win raffles of over 50 prizes including gift certificates to area restaurants and stores such as Bryn Mawr Running Company, Wayne Sporting Goods, Outback, Antonella’s Italian Kitchen, Garret Hill Pizza, Johnnies, Wingers, Campus Corner, Barnaby’s and much more. Winners of the raffles were called throughout the night.
Students were also chosen to participate in hot shot, three-point shooting, lay-up and free throw contests for other prizes.
The men’s and women’s basketball teams were then introduced and played a 10 minute intra-squad scrimmage.
“I’m really excited for the season, we’re going to be really good this year,” excerise science major and member of the women’s basketball team Rachel Caron said.
The dance team and cheerleaders also performed their routines for the crowd.
“We have a new coach this year and I think we did really well,” junior education major and member of the cheerleading squad Melissa Barrett said. “I’m really excited for this year.”
Students were also encouraged to show their school spirit as the winner of the Cabrini Spirit Award was given a $500 prize. Senior education major E.J. Gilchrist stole the show by dressing up as the “Cabrini Cowboy” and winning the award.
“It was a great start, the fans were awesome,” head men’s basketball coach Greg Herenda said. “I hope the fans come back for the games because the players are going to give their hearts to the students and to Cabrini College.”
