Feb. 24, 2012

Game Notes vs. Utah

Utah Game Notes

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford Women's Basketball's annual conference trip to Arizona includes many longstanding traditions, some involving sombreros and a 2-on-2 game of basketball. In episode five of "The Real Ladies of Maples" fans are treated to a mini-concert, awarding of the sombreros and the annual 2-on-2 game that pits Tara VanDerveer and assistant coach Kate Paye against one another.

Episode five follows the team on its trip to the desert of Arizona in early February. The sunshine and warm weather in Arizona means outdoor searches for local produce, a free night out in Tucson for the ladies, and no winter clothing needed.

But the games against Arizona State and Arizona are not the only spirited contests in which the Cardinal partake. This trip is eagerly anticipated because of the traditional 2-on-2 game between Tara VanDerveer and assistant coach Kate Paye and players of their choosing.

In a tradition that started in the late 1980s, VanDerveer and her assistant coaches would play 2-on-2 games with each coach paired with a player of their choosing. The game has endured over the years and become one of the more entertaining aspects of the Arizona trip. This year, it was the team of VanDerveer and senior guard Grace Mashore taking on Paye and freshman forward Erica Payne.

The other tradition involves the awarding of sombreros on the bus ride back to the airport after the trip's final game. A sombrero is awarded for the weekend's top rebounder and top shooter (by field-goal percentage). Who won the coveted sombreros, and had to wear them through the airport to the gate? Find out in episode five!

Keep checking back with www.gostanford.com as well as liking Stanford Women's Basketball on Facebook and following @StanfordWBB on Twitter for more releases on new episodes of "The Real Ladies of Maples" and more videos featuring the Stanford women's basketball team.