KINGSTON, Ont. - In what just might be the biggest surprise in Canadian collegiate athletics (or at least at the provincial level) is the success of the St. Lawrence College Vikings women's basketball team.
In 2011-12, the team suffered a winless season going 0-16 and was on the receiving end on some of the most lopsided games in the Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA). With a short roster and an inexperienced group the team wanted the season to end as quickly as possible.
In the off-season, head coach Remy Simpson and assistant coaches Sarah McAuley and Amanda Piribauer worked hard recruiting and developing their program to be more competitive in the 2012-13 season.
"Their dedication and hard work cannot go unnoticed," said St. Lawrence College athletic director Herb Steacy. "They could have easily continued their program as it was and hope for a miracle turnout at try-outs, but they made proper adjustments and made some big recruiting moves to get the team that they have today."
Nine games into the 2012-13 season, the Vikings find themselves with a 7-2 record and are currently in second place in the OCAA East Division, and third overall in the province.
"The girls are buying into our system, and have really gelled as a team. As a result, we find ourselves in a good position leading into the holiday break," said Remy. "There are still plenty of games to be played, the trick will be to maintain this momentum for the last half of the season."
In addition to being near the top of the standings, the Vikings are undefeated at home, winning five straight games.
A big part of the team's success is two new recruits for this year, Lacey Knox (Kingston) and Jessica Cetoute (Ottawa). Lacey is currently ranked first in the OCAA in points per game (21.5) and second in the nation (OCAA stats, CCAA player rankings). At centre, Jessica is first overall in the OCAA and the CCAA in rebounds per game with 14.9, (OCAA stats, CCAA rebound rankings).
Both admit that the team's success this season is because the players are playing together as a group, and that it's not just the efforts of two or three girls.
There is still uncertainty for the remaining half of the season, as the team has a short bench which may play a factor in the long 18 game season plus playoffs. Remy recognized this as a potential problem and has addressed it.
"We do have a couple more girls joining us in the New Year, hopefully that gives us enough depth on the roster to get through the remaining games," said Remy.
The Vikings are off for the holiday break, and resume play at their own tournament on Friday, January 4. The Vikings will play Georgian College at 7 p.m.
Source: St. Lawrence College