“It was a game that had a lot on the line, and we did have a high stress level. But you can tell with our press offence that our seniors were struggling with the ball at the end, but a learning experience will be better next time.’’ —Andy Sparks, Gee-Gees head women’s basketball coach.
While the Thunderwolves are a stronger opponent, the last time they came to Montpetit Hall, it was was another thrashing—with the Gees emerging victorious by a score of 83-55.
This year, U of O varsity teams have been giving back to the community in many different ways—some donating blood, others going to developing countries to teach their respective sports, while still others focused on more local causes.
“They’d won the last three Capital Hoops, and it was big for us momentum-wise heading into the last stretch of the regular season, and a big step towards that bye.’’ —Andy Sparks, Gee-Gees head women’s basketball coach.
“I think our defence was huge tonight. It’s on days like this, where you don’t make lots of shots, that you’ve got to pull together, and we did that.” —Andy Sparks, Gee-Gees head women’s basketball coach.
To end the calendar year, the team sits first place in the OUA East with a record of 9-1.
While the women’s soccer squad was winning the gold, the Gee-Gees continued their success elsewhere, with both basketball teams picking up a pair of wins on the road the weekend of Nov. 9-10.
Despite some disappointing team finishes, the standout individual performances of Gee-Gees athletes this year can’t be overshadowed.
The Gees’ biggest strength was their defensive play. They ranked second overall in the OUA in points allowed per game, giving up an average of only 54.2 PPG.
The University of Ottawa women’s basketball team split a two-game series against two Ontario University Athletics rivals, the York University Lions and the Queen’s University Golden Gaels on Feb. 10 and 11, respectively.
Both the men’s and women’s teams were looking to avenge losses to Carleton earlier this season, but unfortunately retribution would have to wait.
With the Capital Hoops Classic fast approaching, take a minute to review where both teams stand going into Saturday’s game.
The University of Ottawa women’s basketball team hit the road again to take on two Ontario University Athletics (OUA) rivals, and ended up splitting their games over the weekend.
Both teams have one more weekend before their much-anticipated Capital Hoops matchup, and a chance to avenge their losses to Carleton.
The Gee-Gees women’s basketball team took down two Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference rivals over the weekend in an impressive fashion to improve their record to 7–2.
On Saturday, Nov. 19, the University of Ottawa’s men’s and women’s basketball teams made short work of their Algoma University counterparts in their season openers.
Despite making it a close contest in the end, head coach Andy Sparks was not happy with his team’s performance during the majority of the game.
At the University of Ottawa, varsity tryouts—where any student can show up in the hopes of making the final roster—are in large part declining in popularity and effectiveness.
The tenacious attitude of the battered and bruised team almost willed them to a victory, however they ran out of gas in the final minutes.
The Gees may have been the favourite heading into the gold medal match on their home floor, but instead it ended in a 66-60 upset.
In a packed and deafening Montpetit Hall, the Gees were able to vanquish the Gryphons in a hard-fought affair.
A tough full-court defensive effort and high shooting percentage was the key to Gees’ victory. Julia Soriano scored the team high for the night with 21 points, shooting seven of nine from three.
The weekend was also significant for the team as it marked seniors night, where the Gees celebrated three of their graduating players, forwards Kellie Ring, Catherine Traer, and Krista Van Slingerland.
The game ended with an emphatic score of 73-50 in favour of the Ravens, who dominated throughout the game—leaving the Gees looking unlikely to overturn the deficit at any point.
Forward Katherine Lemoine had a game-high 15 points. There were no signs of fatigue from the team after a highly physical game the night before.
