It is sweet revenge for the Hornets as they gear up to redeem last year’s shortcomings in the Big Sky Tournament. 

The Sacramento State women’s basketball team was knocked out of the Big Sky Semifinals last season by Idaho State and now the players are looking to use that experience to win it all this season.

Sophomore guard Fantasia Hilliard played in her first tournament last year as a true freshman and acknowledged the benefits of her past experience.

“It’s helped us prepare because after losing last year and knowing our capabilities and where we should be at in our conference, it’s motivating us to come back and win it,” Hilliard said.

Minus one redshirt freshman, these women are veterans to the tournament and junior guard Alle Moreno said knowing what to expect will hopefully give the team an advantage.

“I think we have a little bit more experience now going into the tournament because a lot of us had never been there before so now we know what to expect,” Moreno said. “We’re going to expect a dog fight from every team.”

Sac State junior guard Se’nyce Parrish said the team makes every win count by focusing on each regular season game one at a time, to mentally prepare for the Big Sky Tournament at the end of the season.

“You have to play to win (and) you have to get the win,” Parrish said. “At the end of the game whoever is the winner, they’re the ones going on and you’re left in the dust. That’s the part that hurts the most and we know that feeling.” 

Moreno said it’s a particular mindset the players develop because each team turns the intensity up a notch to showcase their best skills at one time. She said it’s important for the Hornets to remain in sync.

“It’s not much of a different atmosphere; it’s a different mindset for everybody on the court,” Moreno said. “Everybody’s going to be on top of their game so I think it’s important to realize that we need to go in there at the top of our game too – meshing as one.”

Hilliard agrees post-season brings out a different attitude and aggressiveness, which helps keep the momentum rolling for each game.

“Our mindset is totally different because in a regular season game we’re just playing for standings versus the conference tournament (where) we’re playing one game,” Hilliard said. “Win or lose and we’re done.”

The Hornets are looking to redeem themselves and Parrish said she is excited because Sac State has some good opportunities. Parrish’s post-season mindset makes her eager to get the wins.

“It’s what we’re playing for the whole season, so playing in it last year almost makes us want it more, especially because we lost in semifinals,” Parrish said. “It gives us more energy and it makes us a little bit more hyped.”

This is the last chance for the seniors to make their mark on the Big Sky Conference and Moreno said she would leave no regrets on the court helping the seniors go out with a bang.

“I mean, lay everything on the floor now because you might not get another game tomorrow, especially for these seniors,” Moreno said. “They’ve given everything they have for four years so that’s something we could do for them.”

Sac State will go into the Big Sky Quarterfinals tied in fourth place on Wednesday against Idaho State.

“Everyone still knows about us, but we just have to prove to them that we still are one of the best teams in the conference,” Hilliard said.

Jillian can be reached on Twitter at @jillian1035