Tritz is looking to take the Bluejays to the next level (Spomer/WBR)
Junior guard Carli Tritz has already achieved a lot in her first two seasons with the Creighton Bluejays. In 2010-11, she averaged 11 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals per game while shooting 47% from the field. That season she was named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week a record nine times and earned the conference’s Freshman of the Year award as she helped lead the Jays to 18 wins and a berth in the Women’s NIT.
Last season, as a sophomore, she earned First Team All-Conference Honors. She improved her statistical production across the board, while leading the Jays to 20 wins and an MVC Tournament championship. She earned MVP honors for her performance in the tournament. Most importantly, she helped the Jays earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament, the team’s first appearance in the Big Dance since 2002.
As Tritz enters her junior season, the expectations are very high not only for her, but for her team as well. Despite the bar being raised, she has used all of the success and increased expectations as a motivator to improve individually and as a team.
“There are obviously different expectations this year, because we are older, but I think that has made us more confident. Now we have something that we are going for, instead of the ‘whatever happens, happens’ approach we had the last two years with a younger team,” she said.
“When you have an older team, the expectations drive you and motivate you in practice. It motivates us differently when we look at our schedule, and we have teams that we think we can beat now, instead of just compete against. We are going out to beat Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska with that mindset coming off an NCAA bid.”
As for her individual game, one may not think there is much to improve upon given her success, but with the addition of freshman point guard, Marissa Janning, Carli’s role has changed a bit. As any great player would do in that situation, Tritz has been using the adjustment period to enhance other areas of her game.
“I’m working on getting my outside shot and three-point shot down. I’m also working on being a better passer on the wing, because I’m probably not going to play as much point guard as I have been playing the last two years. We have a few other girls in that position this season.”
One chink in Tritz’s armor is her right knee. She has been playing through chronic pain in the knee, but this year she is trying to be smarter about how hard she pushes it when it starts to hurt.
“It’s not something that’s going to go away, so I’m just maintaining it. I’m sitting out when I’m supposed to, and talking when it hurts. That’s really the biggest thing. Last year I would feel bad when I had to sit out, but this year it’s better for me, and better for the big picture of the team. I do ice, heat, and exercises that prevent ACL damage. I’ve cut off lifting a lot, like squats, and I’m just being smart. Being smart is the biggest thing, and taking it one day at a time.”
Given the chronic nature of her knee issues, she knows it’s something she’ll have to learn to live with.
“The next surgery I get will be career-ending, so I’m just going to have to play through it,” said Tritz.
If she can stay healthy, she will continue to be a major contributor for this basketball team. She and her teammates will open their season this Saturday afternoon against the No. 12 Oklahoma Sooners. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m.