AUC women prep for opener

For the Algoma University College Women's basketball team, a new season is upon them as they prepare to face Fanshawe College on Saturday afternoon at the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University.

Fanshawe, who features local product and St. Mary's College graduate Kristen Conway, has a busy weekend in the north as they faced Sault College on Friday night before facing Algoma on Saturday at 12 p.m.

The Fanshawe men's team faced off against Sault College on Friday night before hitting the floor against AUC on Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Thunderbirds are looking to build on a somewhat successful tournament last weekend at Georgian College, where they finished the tournament 1-2, and managed to test themselves before opening the OCAA season against some top competition.

AUC coach Dave Bourgeault was happy with the tournament overall.

"It was nice to play at Georgian," Bourgeault said after practice on Friday. "We played pretty well with what we had. The girls got to know each other."

Bourgeault is looking forward to getting the regular season started against Fanshawe, but added that it's tough when you don't know a whole lot about your opponent. Fanshawe is coming into the game with a number of first year players.

Overall, Bourgeault is looking for one big thing from his team heading into the game--consistency.

"We're not consistent yet," Bourgeault said of his team. "It's coming though. The girls are starting to talk to each other out on the court. The offence is starting to work but we need to rotate better on defence."

Bourgeault said his team lacks a leader and although he doesn't believe in putting pressure on anybody, he believe's that first year Jessica King could be a strong leader for his team.

Bourgeault added that when it comes to leadership, you need to let someone know when they're doing something wrong and that constructive criticism, be it from a coach or teammate, shouldn't be taken personally.

Saturday afternoon's contest against Fanshawe is going to be a test for the Algoma Women, but it's a test that the Thunderbirds hope they are prepared enough for.