By Patrick Longchamps
The Algonquin Thunder women’s basketball team has a lot of work to do before making their way back to the former glory of seasons before.
The team is only seeing four returning players. With eight new members, the team will need to spend some time building their bond.
“Last year we only had one rookie; it was kind of that core group that won the last four championships,” said Laura Bond, the head coach of the women’s basketball team. “It’s a chemistry thing right now, it’s going to take a while to figure it out.”
Bond is new to the role of head coach. For the past two years she has been the assistant coach. John MacInnis, the previous head coach, has switched spots with Bond.
“The transition has been really good. MacInnis and I have worked really closely, he’s always let me have my vote,” said Bond.
The captains are Felicia Mazerolle, Jesa Rada and Lindsay Whittaker. They are among the players returning from the previous seasons.
There are new players on the team with good experience and they are expected to bring a lot to the team.
Francesca Bellehumeur-Moya, who previously played on the Windsor Lancers, the highest-ranking team in previous seasons for the Canadian Interuniversity Sport women’s basketball league, is one of the players to watch.
Among the other rookies there is Lacey McNulty, a 6’3” player from the NCAA division and at Lakehead University. Also Darcy Hawkins and Lindsay Kavanagh from the Carleton University Ravens.
In the 2013-2014 season the team went 16-0, making them the OCAA East Division Champions. The team has won the championship for the past four years.
“St. Lawrence Vikings are this year rivals, they were our only close game last year,” said Bond. “On the other side in the west division Humber College looks strong, they’re a team to watch.”