SXU Student-Athlete Sets Career High
Saint Xavier University (SXU) women's basketball forward Veronica Bafia set a career-high 31 points on 12-for-18 shooting (66.7%) from the field for the Cougars' victory against Cleary University in the season opener.
The sophomore scored 12 points in the first quarter, leading her to her first 30-point game at the collegiate level. Additionally, she had six rebounds, a blocked shot, and a steal all in 38 minutes of court time.
The Cougars trailed by nine points midway through the second period but powered back with the help of Bafia to grab a 71-59 win.
"It felt really good to set a career-high in points. I surprised myself with it, but it felt very natural during the game. I have seen myself improve since playing basketball at SXU. I feel more confident in my skills and am always looking for feedback to make myself better," Bafia said.
Although SXU ended the season with an 18-12 overall record and lost to Indiana University Northwest in the NAIA Opening Round, the Cougars are on a roll and have their sights set on advancing further in the National Tournament this time around.
Bafia was named to the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) All-Freshman Team and has landed on the dean's list. Striving for more accolades, she is dedicated to focusing on her studies while also assisting the team in reaching its ambitious goals.
"The goal for the team this year is to make it back to the National Tournament and go even further than we did last year. Academically, I hope to remain on the dean's list. Athletically, I hope to keep improving my skills and hopefully make All-Conference First or Second Team," Bafia said.
As an honors student-athlete taking AP courses at Grant Park High School, Bafia learned from a young age how to balance a busy schedule and continued that work ethic in college. The nursing major has had no trouble remaining in high standing in the classroom and on the court.
"I am adept at balancing basketball and schoolwork since I have been a student-athlete most of my life. After graduating, I hope to work in the hospital for a few years in the ICU and then go back to school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist," Bafia said.
After her outstanding season opener, Bafia has continued to shine on the court, recording four rebounds, three steals, two assists, and two points in the Cougars' second season win against Indiana University Columbus.