The UPEI Panthers women's basketball team took a big step forward last weekend, picking up its first win in three seasons in St. John’s, N.L.
The Panthers split a pair of games versus the Memorial SeaHawks, beating them 77-73 Saturday before dropping Sunday's rematch 95-71 to move to 1-3 on the season.
“This has been a long time coming,” said the Panthers’ third-year head coach Carly Clarke. “Everyone around the program has seen the progress we have made. The girls have never stopped working, but there is nothing like a win to bring solid proof to our progress and another boost to our confidence.
“It feels great to have put it together when it really counts.”
Second-year guard Jenna Jones led the Panthers with 23 points, including five three-pointers.
Forward Emily MacEachern had 12 points on perfect shooting, while Nakita Newman and Danielle MacDonald added 10 apiece.
Native Newfoundlander Amy Gough picked up nine points in front of her family and friends.
The 19-year-old said it was extra special to pick up her first win at the Atlantic University Sport level at home in front of her parents, David and Kathy Gough.
“It was unreal,” she said. “It’s a great feeling, and to be able to share that feeling with family at friends at home and with my teammates is amazing.”
The win was a big confidence booster.
“The whole team was pumped,” said Gough. “We hope that we can get more wins in this year. We have greatly improved as a team and we played very well together on Saturday. We were communicating as a team on the floor and everyone played great. After our game, everyone was so happy and we just need to bring that confidence with us every game.”
The game also marked a homecoming for UPEI forward Laura Power, also of St. John’s, who had five points in the win.
Clarke said each of her players contributed to the win, displaying great composure and converting key plays.
“I don’t think anyone expected us to win one on the Rock, but our belief in knowing we were capable of winning one led us to victory,” she said. “Jenna Jones had a great weekend, shooting the ball very well, making timely shots, defending and rebounding.”
Sunday’s game was a different story, as the Sea-Hawks stormed out of the gate to head into the half with a 20-point lead en route to a 95-71 win. Forward Ally Forsey led Memorial with 23 points, while small forward Robyn O’Rielly had 19 and guard Kim Devison had 15.
Everyone around the program has seen the progress we have made. The girls have never stopped working, but there is nothing like a win to bring solid proof to our progress and another boost to our confidence. - Carly Clarke, head coach of the UPEI women’s basketball team
The Panthers could not match the Sea-Hawks’ energy but still had four players in double digits.
Jones, Nakita Newman, and Julia McKenna each had 11 points and Gough had 10.
On Friday night, the team was treated to a delicious dinner at the Gough’s family home.
The Power family also had a hand in the affair.
“We have had several girls’ families treat us to dinner this year, on and off Island,” Clarke said. “It is great for the girls to feel a sense of comfort, family and at-homeness, especially when we are on the road."
The Panthers are now readying for their final homestand before the Christmas break. They will host the Acadia Axewomen Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Axewomen are currently ranked ninth-best in the country.
“We will need to defend and rebound first,” said Clarke. “Acadia is ranked No. 9 in the country for a reason. They have a bunch of good pieces playing well together and are fourth in the country in points scored per game.”
Offensively, the Panthers will need to handle pressure, make extra passes and play as a team.
“Acadia is a strong team,” added Gough. “But we are ready to compete with them, and go out and play our best.”
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Results, Upcoming
Games For Panthers:
Nov. 12 - 77-65 loss to SMU
Nov. 13 - 63-51 loss to SMU
Nov. 19 - 77-73 win over MUN
Nov. 20 - 95-71 loss to MUN
Nov. 26 - host Acadia, 6 p.m.
Nov. 27 - host Acadia, 1 p.m.
Jan. 7 - at SMU, 6 p.m.
Jan. 8 - at SMU, 2 p.m.
Jan. 13 - at UNB, 6 p.m.
Jan. 15 - host St. F.X., 2 p.m.
Jan. 20 - host UPEI, 6 p.m.
Jan. 21 - at Dalhousie, 6 p.m.
Jan. 28 - host MUN, 6 p.m.
Jan. 29 - host MUN, 1 p.m.
Feb. 4 - host Dalhousie, 6 p.m.
Feb. 11 - at Cape Breton, 6 p.m.
Feb. 12 - at St. F.X., 2 p.m.
Feb. 17 - at Acadia, 6 p.m.
Feb. 18 - at Acadia, 2 p.m.
Feb. 25 - host Acadia, 4 p.m.
