The Emmanuel College women's basketball team traveled to Beijing from Dec. 28 to Jan. 5 and experienced Chinese culture, visit some of the country's most historical sites and participate in exhibition games against local teams.

Tours of the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Summer Palace were all part of the journey for the 38-person party from Emmanuel — which included players, coaches, staff, family and friends. For coach Andy Yosinoff and Tom McCarthy, the Chief Executive Officer of Beijing International Group, whose staff served as tour guides for the trip, the excursion marked the culmination of many years of anticipation and preparation.

With the assistance of senior associate dean of academic advising Carolyn Caveny, who traveled with the team as an educational advisor, the Saints were well prepared to experience all aspects of the Chinese way of life. Prior to their departure, team members participated in instructive classroom presentations.

The team's exhibition games included contests against Beijing University, Beijing Sports University and the Jinli All Stars, an all-male squad.

In their first opportunity against international competition, the Saints fell to Beijing University, 68-40. Senior Jade Paez led the team in scoring with seven points, followed by classmates Jacquelyn Paez, Kathleen Brice, sophomore Abigail Brenkach and freshman Casey Shevlin with five apiece.

In its second game versus Beijing Sports University, Emmanuel battled to a 76-76 decision, ending in a draw after its opponents decided to end the friendly game after four quarters of regulation play. As a team, the Saints put together an impressive defensive showing, combining for 22 steals, 13 in the second half alone. Paez once again led the team in scoring with 19 points, followed by sophomore Iman Davis with 17, senior Leah Lipschitz's 11 points and Brenkach's 10.

For its final exhibition, the team took a three-hour flight south of Beijing to Guangzhou, compliments of the Guangdong Jinli Electrical Appliance Co., LTD, to compete against its lineup of male all stars. In front of a sold-out crowd of 1,500 people, the Saints unbelievably tied for the second consecutive game, this by a score of 87-87.

With the XXIX Olympiad set to begin in Beijing in seven months, the trip provided an unforgettable opportunity for the entire Emmanuel group to observe firsthand a city, culture and people that will soon be the athletic center of the world.