The sound of a basketball arena goes a little something like this: a constant dribble, a stampede of players hustling back and forth, the school band playing little pep songs and fans cheering.

The Quinnipiac women’s basketball team likes to play this type of fast-pace game, always rushing early on their opponents, feeding off of the hype of the atmosphere. But today, the game slowed down for a moment and the announcer introduced the team as “one of the most successful classes in Quinnipiac’s women basketball history.”

It’s senior day.

On Saturday afternoon, hosting the Canisius Griffins, the program honored five seniors:

“Number 21. Jen Fay.”

While Fay has been out of play due to a disclosed injury, she has impacted the program in every aspect:

• MAAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player as a junior in 2017-18
• Three-time MAAC All-Academic Team
• 1,000 career point club (1,143)

“Number 23. Brittany Martin.”

• Has appeared in 109 games in her career
• Played in every game her freshman season 2015-16
• Along with the four other seniors, Martin leads in top 5 active assists (132)

“Number 25. Aryn McClure.”

• First player in history to reach 1,000 points, 600 rebounds and 300 assists
• Two-time MAAC Preseason Player of the Year
• 1,000 career point club (1,242)

“Number 4. Paula Strautmane.”

• Started every game junior year
• Three-time MAAC All-Academic Team
• 1,000 career point club (1,086)

“Number 11. Edel Thornton.”

• Has played 2,089 minutes so far in her career
• Played every game junior year
• Had 14 points in the NCAA Opening Round win over Miami in 2017-18

Each player with their own records and achievements, it was an emotional day.

“Just looking at the banners, out of the corner of my eye, it’s pretty good,” Quinnipiac head coach Tricia Fabbri said. “They’ve elevated the program to a national level with the biggest target on their back every day. They continue to handle the challenges, really, with such grace and ease.”

After lineups were announced, flowers were given and pictures were taken, the national anthem played – three times. The first anthem was the Latvian anthem in honor of Strautmane, who is from Riga, Latvia, which is right between Lithuania and Estonia. The second anthem was in honor of Thornton, who comes from Gurranabraher, Ireland. And finally, the American anthem was sung.

As usual, the Bobcats won, defeating the Griffins, 68-51. This win extends their Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference winning streak to twelve, one of the longest active streaks in the nation. But as the game winded down, and Fabbri knew it would end with a win, Fay was subbed in. Fans were expecting to see her play this game, but she wasn’t exactly ready to play a full game, but because it was senior day, Fabbri wanted the senior to have a moment of her own.

Then, with just about two minutes left of the game, each of the seniors subbed out. One by one, the players jogged off the court, hugged Coach and walked down the bench as family and friends cheered. What was left on the court was the next generation of players to finish the game.

For players to join an incredible program is one thing, but for players to create an incredible program is another. This senior class has a lot of depth and a lot of history. It’s a big family, one that won’t be forgotten.

But the season isn’t over yet. Quinnipiac continues conference play, traveling to Manhattan on Friday, Feb. 15.