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Seventeen games into the season, Bluefield College women’s basketball welcomed a new player, Pip Pattison, to the squad.

Tori Doyle

February 14, 2013

Seventeen games into the season, Bluefield College women’s basketball welcomed a new player, Pip Pattison, to the squad.

Despite difficult circumstances, the women’s basketball team at Bluefield College has pressed on. The women’s squad lost five players to reasons such as injury. When faced with this problem, head coach Melissa Baker looked for some new players.

Baker’s team was down to minimal numbers when she picked up junior soccer player Pip Pattison, who hasn’t played basketball in three years. But she was willing to step in instantly, joining the team Jan. 3.

“At first, I was shocked. I didn’t think it was serious, but when I found out I was needed, I was so excited to play,” Pattison said.

She’s been playing since she was five, and she played for Radford High School’s junior varsity and varsity teams throughout her four years in high school.

So far, Pattison has made a smooth transition to the team. Although the team is deep into its schedule, players have been supportive.

 “The girls were very welcoming and immediately accepted me as their teammate. They’re a lot of fun to be around and hang out with,” Pattison said.

The Bluefield College women’s basketball team currently sits at 14-10. They are 7-9 in the Mid-South Conference. This weekend, the team faces St. Catharine and Georgetown in a final regular-season road trip.

Pattison believes things are going well for her and the team.

“I think it’s going really well. I’m definitely having a lot of fun playing again, and I love getting to know the girls better,” Pattison said.

Pattison is more than happy to help out. She also says Baker is a great coach and has the made the transition process easier.

“MJ is a wonderful coach. She knows the game of basketball so well, and she truly cares for every one of her players,” Pattison said. “She’s also a wonderful role model. She instructs her team through her Christian faith very well.”

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