This year will be different.
Back-to-back winless seasons in the Atlantic University Sport conference have left the UPEI Panthers women’s basketball team hungry for success and motivated to make it happen.
“We no doubt have raised expectations,” third-year head coach Carly Clarke said this week.
“Obviously, after a tough couple of seasons, our first goal is to get some conference wins under our belt. Beyond that, with the parity and unpredictability of the AUS this year, we believe the playoffs are in reach.”
The 28-year-old Clarke said fans will be treated to an exciting brand of basketball.
Her club proved it was capable of winning this preseason, and with one of the league’s youngest rosters, has plenty of room to grow.
Captain Katie Moore said after two building years, the Panthers are ready for better results.
“Our biggest strength as a team would have to be our drive and motivation to work hard every second in the game,” the 22-year-old fifth-year psychology student said. “If we do that, then I think we will be in a position to make the playoffs.”
Last season, the team was led offensively by three rookie guards — Amy Gough, Jenna Jones and Nakita Newman.
Clarke expects the trend to continue.
The penetrating Gough, a St. John’s, N.L., native, has a great basketball IQ and is “tough as nails,” said Clarke.
She was named to the AUS all-rookie team last year.
“There is no doubt our team is at our best when she is at her best,” Clarke said.
Meanwhile, Jones, a product of Riverview, N.B., is one of the top three-point threats in the league.
She and second-year guard Danielle MacDonald bring an unmatched work ethic to the court, and their leadership should give the Panthers’ defence more tenacity this winter.
Centre Moore remains the club’s top rebounder and defensive anchor.
“The experience she has having already played four seasons in the AUS cannot be measured,” said her coach. “That will go a long way in supporting and helping our young team continue to adjust to the league.”
Over the summer, UPEI added two six-foot forwards Laura Power and Terrilyn Herrick, as well as athletic point guard Katie Donahoe who is expected to be a valuable addition on the defensive end of the floor.
Clarke believes the new faces as well as the added experience should give her club an added level of composure in the physical AUS.
Moore said while the team expects butterflies stepping out in front of the home crowd for the first time tonight, there is no better feeling.
“One of my favourite things playing for UPEI is that I get to play in front of my hometown,” she said. “I get so happy when I see younger basketball players come out and see our games. I know it means a lot to our team because we love playing basketball, and if that helps someone else love the game then we are doing our job.”
www.upei.ca/athletics/womens-basketball
UPEI women’s basketball:
- The UPEI Panthers host the Saint Mary’s Huskies in their AUS women’s basketball season-opener tonight at 6 at the UPEI Sports Centre.
- Fans are asked to wear green as part of “Green Out” at the sports centre tonight.
- The team will be wearing its brand-new green jerseys for the games.
- The rematch goes Sunday at 2 p.m.
