After reading the commentary “It’s time that we get results,” I’ve decided that I respectfully disagree with my fellow writer Daniel Boruchowitz’s assessment of the Binghamton University women’s basketball team.

Although I agree with the sentiment that we should have considerable expectations for the team, as they are probably the flagship women’s sport on campus, I am encouraged by the Bearcats’ performance to date considering the overhaul after last season.

Usually when a team loses its head coach and its top two players, it’s considered a rebuilding year. Even with two freshmen starters, this year’s Bearcats squad has been as competitive as last season’s senior-laden team.

The returning players, specifically juniors Erica Carter and Darryll Peterson, have stepped up their offensive and defensive efforts to become impact players. Meanwhile, freshman Andrea Holmes appears to be headed to a spot on the America East All-Rookie team. She has performed very well as the team’s starting point guard, and after a shaky start offensively, Holmes has shot the ball much better, highlighted by her 16-point performance against Niagara on Monday.

While turnovers remain the Bearcats’ Achilles heel, first year head coach Nicole Scholl’s more up-tempo style of play seems to be a better fit for the team, as athleticism is one of the Bearcats’ greatest strengths. A more up-tempo style of play usually equates to more turnovers, but it also creates more turnovers by the opposition. At +4.6, this season’s turnover margin is noticeably improved from the 2007-08 -2.4 margin. As the players become more acclimated to the new system, the turnover margin should improve even more, which will lead to more victories.

The home opener, a loss against Portland State, was an anomaly. Portland State was a very experienced team, rated highly in their conference and loaded with all-conference performers. Portland State exposed Binghamton’s youth and inexperience in that game, but they still managed to hold Portland State to 33 percent shooting, and kept the game close well into the second half. The other three losses were to teams currently in the RPI top 100, and were also teams Binghamton was defeated by last season. The games the Bearcats should have won so far have been won decisively.

Young teams tend to improve as the season goes on and this bodes well for the Bearcats in conference play. With the exception of Hartford’s spectacular victory over then-No. 5 Duke, our America East foes have looked no more impressive than the Bearcats. Our SUNY rivals, Albany and Stony Brook have a combined 1-13 record so far. This season’s team has an excellent opportunity to improve on last year’s fifth place conference performance.

Last year’s team expected to contend for a conference title. The season ended with an 11-19 record, a quarterfinal exit from the America East Conference tournament and a new head coach. With the new head coach, a new system and two new starters, this year’s team has the opportunity to finally achieve the success that is expected from them by the Bearcats’ faithful fans.