Gee-Gees still trending up after turbulent but successful year
Photo credit: Marta Kierkus
After a convincing win over Carleton in the preliminary round of provincial playoffs, the Gee-Gees women’s basketball team was sent packing back to Ottawa by the nationally seventh-ranked Ryerson Rams. The team never fully recovered from their slow start, falling behind 41-26 in the first half.
Before the Gees got their rhythm they fell by a 26-point margin, with a final score of 73-47, ending their season in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) quarterfinal.
Dismal shooting numbers and ineffective defence were the main factors in the team’s loss, as they netted only 21 per cent of their field goals and 17 per cent of their threes. Conversely, Ryerson was able to knock down roughly 43 per cent of both their inside and outside shots.
The bright spots in the Gees’ lineup were fifth-year forward Stephanie MacDonald and fourth-year guard Krista van Slingerland as they led the team with 24 and 13 points, respectively. Van Slingerland also pulled down eight rebounds for the night.
“We fought through a lot of adversity this season and people playing out of positions,” said fourth-year Kellie Ring. “Coach was proud of us for getting that fire because of what we’ve been through and the adjustments we had to make throughout the year.” “Unfortunately, the last game it was hard because we only shot 20 per cent from the field, and you can’t win a game that way. I just wish we pulled out a win for our seniors Jen and Steph, but it’s something we can learn from.”
After a long season of key players fighting injuries, the Gee-Gees will look to take the offseason to get healthy and retool their team to compete at a high level once again. Many of their fourth-year players will look to return for their final season and many of the young players on the bench will see more significant playing time.
This season did however see many memorable moments, including the Gee-Gees winning the OUA North division, pulling off a big victory at the Capital Hoops Classic, and fifth-year guard Jen Stoqua’s incredible three-point shooting performance.
“The group of girls did amazing this year, and we peaked at the end of the year,” said Ring. “The season was great, and everyone bought in, and I think its going to be a great summer to get motivated for next year, so we don’t get in this place and have this feeling again.”
The Gee-Gees will be graduating fifth-years McDonald and Stoqua this season, two players who have made a huge offensive difference on the court this year. With a new season beginning in October, the Gees hope to be stronger and healthier for the upcoming year.
