By VIC DORR JR.
Times-Dispatch Staff Writer

How do opponents view Old Dominion University’s streak of 15 consecutive Colonial Athletic Association women’s basketball championships? With envy? With irritation?

How about with admiration? That was the response offered by William and Mary coach Debbie Taylor. The 15-year streak and 44-0 tournament record constructed by ODU and coach Wendy Larry, Taylor said, are ever so praiseworthy.

Taylor says she has “a tremendous amount of respect for Wendy and those kids and what they’ve been able to do.“ A decade and a half of dominance, Taylor said, “really, when you stop to think about it, is nothing short of remarkable.“

The argument typically used to devalue ODU’s accomplishment—that the Lady Monarchs’ talent is far superior to that of other CAA teams—isn’t altogether valid, Taylor said.

“That’s what people don’t understand. Go back to 1997 and 1998, when they had (players such as Ticha Penicheiro and Clarisse Machanguana and Mery Andrade), and sure—they were just a lot better than the rest of us.

“But over the last five or so years, I think everyone has gotten a lot closer” in terms of physical weaponry. “That’s what makes it so remarkable. They’re still finding ways to win, even when maybe they shouldn’t, even when they’re injured—which they have been a lot—and don’t have all of their best people. Their will to win and their determination are so strong. I think it says so much about how great a coach Wendy is.“