By Dominic Rapposelli
Sports Editor
Washington College women’s basketball sits at sixth in the Centennial Conference with a third straight playoff berth in sight. One keyplayer in this team’s playoff chase is senior forward Serena Pluta.
At this point in her senior season, Pluta is coming off her best scoring outing of the season, a career high 24 points against Haverford onJan. 31. She followed that up with a season high 14 rebounds against Ursinus Feb. 3. Her on the court performance is seen as one of the best ways for her to lead her team.
Pluta is having her overall highest scoring season in her WC career.After her outing versus Ursinus, Pluta grabbed point number 216 this season, and put herself at 502 career points.
“She has this grit and toughness about her that makes her a special player and I am hoping her confidence will continue to push our team these last few weeks to get us to the playoffs,” head coach Alisha Mosley said.
Over four years, Pluta has battled through injuries and still managed to have an impact on her team.
“I hope that I’ve showed the program how to fight through anything and never give up on each other. I’ve battled through a lot of injuries, self doubt and lack of confidence,” Pluta said.
Her tenacity has helped her teammates beyond the court as well, being a motivator for others off the court as well.
“I think that Serena has been a great leader on and off the court by motivating us in all ways to do/be great when it comes to whatever we’re doing,” junior Kiersten Rose said. “She’s always available to give advice when needed and ready to help out whenever we have a situation. She’s always led by her actions as well as her word which in my opinion makes her a great leader.”
With a smaller team this season, Pluta was working on assuming her role at the end of last season. One of two seniors on the team, alongside Kaleigh White, the attention would shift to her as a focal piece for the team.
“From the end of season last year I could see Rena trying to step up and be a leader for this team. In the past she has been sidelined with injuries and it is great to see all of her hard work on and off the court finally paying off and her having a great senior season,” coach Mosley said.
When revisiting her senior season, Pluta called this one special. While not over, it is all about absorbing the rest of this experience for the fourth year forward.
“This season has been so special to me. I’ve really been taking in every last practice, ice bath, and game,” Pluta said. “I’ve enjoyed my connection with the team over the past few years and I love that I get to take it all in with fellow senior Kaleigh White.”
Pluta adds that her favorite part of being a Shorewoman is the community around athletics and being able to play in Chestertown
“My favorite part about being a Shorewoman is the community that is built around being a student athlete. We have the best home crowd and I love how much we all support each other here. I am also so thankful for having the coaching staff that I do and the relationships that I
have been able to form the past few years with teammates,” Pluta said.
Pluta and White will be recognized at the Shorewomen’s senior day game against visiting Dickinson on Feb. 10.