The ingredients needed to produce a successful basketball season include a heavy dollop of work ethic, a spoonful of practice and … stomach-cramping laughter? For the Northwestern women’s club team, winning and mirth go hand-in-hand under coach Brian Miller.

“He’s just got a great sense of humor,” club president Cara Bottjen said. “And he does a really good job for us.”

Although the Wildcats (3-3) have endured some losses, they never have suffered from lack of spirit. Bottjen, a senior who has played on the squad for four years, remembers the fun of caravanning to games as a bright-eyed freshman.

“When we used to drive to away games, we’d talk to each other on walkie-talkies,” Bottjen said.

The Cats haven’t taken any such road trips this year, but they are planning a season-ending game with Illinois. The team doesn’t have a year-end tournament, but a contest with rival Illinois would generate a comparable adrenaline rush, Bottjen said.

“It’d be the perfect way to cap off the season.”

KEEPIN’ IT TIGHT: Female volleyball players’ uniforms have an annoying tendency to overshadow their athletic abilities. At the heart of the issue is a simple article of clothing: spandex shorts.

“I guess it’s easier to dive with them,” club volleyball president Erika Nuber said. “The guys definitely don’t have to wear them.”

The 18-member squad has been working hard to improve after a rough start to the season.

“We’ve only been to one tournament, and we didn’t do so hot,” Nuber said.

The Cats will seek to reverse their fortunes at home on the weekend of Feb. 21 in a tournament at Patten Gymnasium.

JUG-GERNAUTS: The women’s water polo team’s training methods are slightly more unconventional than jogging or weightlifting. The foundation of the team’s strengthened game — and leg muscles — is Sparkling Spring.

“We fill those big water jugs all the way and hold them over our heads until all the water runs out while kicking our legs,” team president Amalia Aleck said.

The drill helps helps players improve their endurance and toughen up. Competition is rough under the water, where referees can have a difficult time seeing even very blatant fouls.

“You do get splashed in the eyes. You might get pushed,” Aleck said. “One girl even ripped my suit down all the way to my belly button.”

The team finished third in its conference last year, falling just short of an invite to nationals. Aleck said a berth this season is more likely since the Cats boast a wealth of returning talent.