As a freshman at Bentley, Jen Gemma was the outlier, carving out an important role on a senior-laden squad that capped a perfect 35-0 run with the program’s first NCAA Division 2 championship. Two years later, Jen Gemma is the upperclassmen leading the Falcons on another celebrated, and somewhat surprising, run. The Most Outstanding Player from both the Northeast-10 and East Regional tournaments, the 6-foot high-scoring forward from Milton has powered Bentley (28-5) to its fifth Elite appearance in the past six seasons. The NE-10 scoring leader the past two seasons, the Fontbonne Academy grad broke Keri Flynn’s single-season mark for points (640) with her 24-point, 11-rebound effort in Monday night’s 79-74 win over NYIT in the regional final. Earlier this season, she scored a career-high 34 points in a win over rival Stonehill, Bentley’s 1,000th victory, the first non-Division 1 program to accomplish that feat.
Q. What did it mean to you to be a part of the 1,000th victory?
A. It is an incredible accomplishment. Speaking for my team, we are so grateful to play for a program like Bentley with a legendary coach [Barbara Stevens and rich tradition, along with so much alumni support. It is just incredible and I am grateful to be apart of it.
Q. After the 11-16 finish a year ago, how much does the Elite 8 appearance resonate this season?
A. It is just amazing. At the end of last year, we said ‘no more.’ We were not going to have another season like that again. We were going to follow in our alumni’s footsteps and get back there.’’
Q. One word to describe this year’s team?
A. Tough
Q. Bentley has five comeback wins from double-digit deficits this season. The key?
A. Coach Stevens has preached resiliency all season, while playing until the buzzer sounds.
Q. NE-10 Player of the Year and tournament MVP? Pretty significant honors.
A. It wasn’t a goal of mine heading into this particular season especially after last year when our team finished 11-16 overall. This season, our team was focused on being a better basketball team, but I am just proud to be a member of a program that has enjoyed so much success, while capturing the NE-10 championship twice in my three years.
Q. What has the environment of the Dana Center been like this season?
A. “It is great to play at home. We have had so much support from the Bentley community. It pumps you up when you are on the court and playing with your teammates. We have great students and faculty, along with local support.’’
Q. Back-to-back NE-10 scoring champion. What is your mindset every game?
A. Our program philosophy is no matter if you play one minute or all 40 minutes, you have to give everything you can to help the team succeed, so I have just taken that to heart and given it my best shot in every game.’’
Q. You have pulled down a career-high 310 rebounds this season. Where did you learn that skill?
A. “I did not have the skillset that I have currently when I was younger, so rebounding was what I focused on. I purposely made sure to get as many rebounds in games, so I could make AAU teams and stick out as an offensive rebounder. I think it is something I have taken pride in and it has helped me be successful on the court.’’
Q. Your most challenging, and enriching class?
A. I enjoy marketing classes the most. The material interests me the most and the professors have a lot of experience outside the classroom.
Q. Favorite restaurant in Waltham?
A. In A Pickle.
MATT NOONAN
Q. What does it mean to wear Bentley on your chest?
A. “It really means the world to play for Barbara Stevens and this coaching staff — it truly is an unbelievable feeling. I feel like I can speak for all my teammates — we could not picture ourselves playing anywhere else. I have had such an unbelievable experience with this program. The tradition here is amazing. I just feel very grateful to play for a program like Bentley’’
For full interview, to bostonglobe.com/south.
