The Carleton Ravens women’s basketball team won their first Capital Hoops matchup since 2018 with a 63-43 victory Friday over the uOttawa Gee-Gees at the Ravens’ Nest.
Due to COVID-19, no tickets were sold for the game, although the stands were dotted with family members of players and season ticket holders.
Despite lacking the usual energy of Capital Hoops, the enthusiasm remained high in the stands and on the court.
Ravens head coach Dani Sinclair said players needed to cool down before the game.
“In some ways, you’re just trying to settle their nerves and excitement,” Sinclair said. “That plays a bit of a role, too, for both teams. There’s some nervousness.”
The Gee-Gees started the game strong, scoring the first two baskets. Ravens guard Kali Pocrnic quickly evened out the score with two baskets of her own.
The Ravens struggled to defend through the first quarter, continuing a trend of weak defence this season. The score went back and forth as the Ravens continued to work on their player-to-player approach.
The game highlighted Carleton’s younger players, including first years forward Marijke Duralia and guard Teresa Donato, who played well throughout the game.
For Donato, who grew up watching Capital Hoops, it was an exciting and nerve-wracking experience to play in the game. She said support from seniors on the team was motivating for the rookies.
“It’s been a bit hard, just confidence, playing [as a] first year,” Donato said. “But when you have your leaders beside you, you get a lot of confidence and I know they have my back and they know I have their back.”
The Ravens improved their defence in the second quarter, creating several turnovers with baskets from guards Dorcas Buisa and Emma Huff. They ended the half down 31-26.
Things changed in the third quarter, when Carleton’s energy and defensive strategy improved. The Ravens put up a 13-0 run and kept the Gee-Gees off the board until more than four minutes into the frame.
By the end of the quarter, Carleton was up 48-35. They continued their advance in the fourth quarter, outsourcing the Gee-Gees 15-8 to win.
Although players were excited about the win, Sinclair said the team is more concerned about how the team played overall.
“It’s just a good feeling that we played well as a group and as a team,” Sinclair said. “We found some resilience.”
The Ravens are scheduled to face the University of Toronto Varsity Blues next weekend at the Ravens’ Nest.
Featured image by Isaac Phan Nay.
