By: Zack Noureddine
It was a victorious weekend for the Algonquin Thunder women’s basketball team who took two wins on a two-game road trip.
The Thunder women defeated the Centennial Colts with a final score of 57-44 on Nov. 30, followed by another win of 66-35 against the Seneca Sting Dec. 1.
“The last game was really good,” said forward Ciara Churchill of the Thunder. “We won by 31 points. We played really well, finally, as a team.”
“We shut them down with our aggression and our shots were successful for the most part,” Churchill continued.
Thunder forward Sarah Ferguson also felt strongly towards the match-up with the Sting.
“Our second game this weekend went really well against Seneca,” said Ferguson. “This is a big deal to us, every time we play Seneca it’s like going to war.”
The Thunder currently hold an exception 9-0 win/loss record with a perfect 1.000 winning percentage including last weekend’s back-to-back away games.
“(The record) is a great accomplishment,” said Churchill. “I feel there is a lot of pressure surrounding us, considering our back-to-back champions. I’m sure we can fulfil the streak if we stay on top of our game like we have for the first half of the season.”
Thunder head coach John MacInnis feels differently on the matter of the pressure surrounding the team.
“There’s a lot of questions about that,” said MacInnis. “But, I know we are a confident squad and with the same determination we had up to now, we can certainly take the championship for the third year straight.”
“We’ve had a very fortunate first half of the season,” MacInnis continued. “For the most part, we’ve brought our ‘A’ game to every court. However, I did not feel as strong about Friday’s game (against the Colts). We won in the end, but I don’t feel we played well.”
The squad will take a much-anticipated break over the holidays and return with an away game at Cambrian College to face the Golden Shield on Jan. 12.
“It will be important for the team to make the most out of the holidays,” said MacInnis. “Spending time with family and relaxation will help us come back after the break as strong as ever.”
“Keeping a hard working ethic and staying disciplined will also help,” MacInnis continued.
Churchill believes the on-going training for those staying in Ottawa will keep them on their feet.
“We will take full advantage of the open gym,” said Churchill. “Our assistant coach has intensive training planned for us. We have to make sure our diets stay tight and we stay determined. We look forward to returning at Cambrian.”
For schedule, results and news, visit the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association website at www.ocaa.com