Photo by: Katie MacCrory
WVU Tours Rome, Takes on Dutch National Team
August 06, 2019 05:03 PM | Women's Basketball
ROME – In less than 48 hours in Rome, the West Virginia University women's basketball team has toured several landmarks and played the first of three contests.
The team landed in Rome at 8:30 a.m. Monday and immediately hit the city. After a quick brunch, the team toured the Colosseum and spent two hours learning the legendary background of the historic structure.
Following a late afternoon siesta, the Mountaineers headed to a local restaurant for a traditional Italian dinner. After several courses of antipasti, pasta, seafood risotto and entrees of fish or ribeye, the night ended with cappuccinos for some and the choice of famous Italian sweets like tiramisu or cannoli for all.
West Virginia was up and at 'em again on Tuesday, departing the hotel for Vatican City soon after breakfast. The Mountaineers toured through the Vatican museums, marveling at the historic paintings, sculptures and tapestries on the way through. They also took a few quiet moments to reflect in the Sistine Chapel.
"It was all very breathtaking," said sophomore forward Kari Niblack. "I couldn't pick one thing. I learned a lot about the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo throughout the tour. The Sistine Chapel was overwhelmingly peaceful and amazing."
Teammate Kysre Gondrezick echoed her sentiments.
"I was amazed by the history in the art painted by such revered artists like Michelangelo."
The Mountaineers finished the tour with a walk through St. Peter's Basilica, viewing the Pietà by Michelangelo, bronze sculptures and relics. Several players purchases items blessed by Pope Francis to take home.
"I loved seeing the artwork and learning the history of it," said freshman guard Kirsten Deans.
West Virginia capped the night with a game against the Dutch National Team. Deans and junior guard Arleighshya McElroy made their Gold and Blue debuts, though the contest was called early in the fourth quarter. Deans led the way with 10 points, hitting three shots from the field and adding four more at the free-throw line. Senior guard Lucky Rudd drained a pair of 3-pointers on her way to a nine-point effort, while Gondrezick chipped in six points and sophomore guard Madisen Smith added five.
Wednesday's rematch with the Dutch National Team has been cancelled. The WVU travel party is set to visit the Trevi Fountain ad Spanish Steps in the morning.
The team landed in Rome at 8:30 a.m. Monday and immediately hit the city. After a quick brunch, the team toured the Colosseum and spent two hours learning the legendary background of the historic structure.
Following a late afternoon siesta, the Mountaineers headed to a local restaurant for a traditional Italian dinner. After several courses of antipasti, pasta, seafood risotto and entrees of fish or ribeye, the night ended with cappuccinos for some and the choice of famous Italian sweets like tiramisu or cannoli for all.
West Virginia was up and at 'em again on Tuesday, departing the hotel for Vatican City soon after breakfast. The Mountaineers toured through the Vatican museums, marveling at the historic paintings, sculptures and tapestries on the way through. They also took a few quiet moments to reflect in the Sistine Chapel.
"It was all very breathtaking," said sophomore forward Kari Niblack. "I couldn't pick one thing. I learned a lot about the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo throughout the tour. The Sistine Chapel was overwhelmingly peaceful and amazing."
Teammate Kysre Gondrezick echoed her sentiments.
"I was amazed by the history in the art painted by such revered artists like Michelangelo."
The Mountaineers finished the tour with a walk through St. Peter's Basilica, viewing the Pietà by Michelangelo, bronze sculptures and relics. Several players purchases items blessed by Pope Francis to take home.
"I loved seeing the artwork and learning the history of it," said freshman guard Kirsten Deans.
West Virginia capped the night with a game against the Dutch National Team. Deans and junior guard Arleighshya McElroy made their Gold and Blue debuts, though the contest was called early in the fourth quarter. Deans led the way with 10 points, hitting three shots from the field and adding four more at the free-throw line. Senior guard Lucky Rudd drained a pair of 3-pointers on her way to a nine-point effort, while Gondrezick chipped in six points and sophomore guard Madisen Smith added five.
Wednesday's rematch with the Dutch National Team has been cancelled. The WVU travel party is set to visit the Trevi Fountain ad Spanish Steps in the morning.
Players Mentioned
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