Craig Hagerman, staff

The Lady Hawks basketball team finds themselves with eleven games under their belt, Laurier’s women’s basketball team has reached the midway part of the season, and with an 8-3 record they are content with how they’ve played thus far.

The ladies are coming off consecutive wins against both Lakehead and Brock and are looking to continue their short winning streak.

The Golden Hawks win against Brock was a huge game because the ladies are chasing Brock in the standings, and before their loss to Laurier, Brock had remained undefeated.

“The Brock win was important because it is important for us to place well in conference play, but every win is just as important as the next,” says forward Christa Mancino.

Coach Paul Falco believes that much of the girls’ success so far can be attributed to the great play that they have received from their guards, especially first year Samantha Jacobs and second year Doreen Bonsu.

“Bonsu has really stepped up and shown her true abilities this season. She has been a huge part of our success this season with her defence and rebounding particularly, I believe she is currently a CIS leader in rebounding and has also been getting some solid points here and there as well.” says Mancino.

Next to individual performances, coach Paul Falco believes the team’s defensive game and rebounding have been the keys to the team’s success all year. Mancino also believes that much of the team’s success is due in part to the balanced scoring they have received game in and game out.

“On any night we have different people and multiple people stepping up and putting up good numbers. If one person isn’t having a good night, someone else will.”

When looking at areas to improve, coach Falco believes that the biggest area for concern is the team’s ability to execute offensively, and to minimize the amount of turnovers they allow each game. Considering that their roster is a younger squad, with ten of the thirteen players in either first or second year, the girls are happy with the way they have played during the first half of the season.

“I’m really proud of the second year girls because I saw them come in as rookies and they have all improved so much since their rookie years. We have also had really solid contributions from rookies like Shelby Kurt, who is currently our leading scorer and strong defensive play by Sam Jacobs,” said Mancino.

It is important that Laurier keeps up the great play they have shown of late as they head towards the post-season come February.

“We are in a good position to try and reel in a couple of teams above us in the standings, and there is no time to relax, as there are some good teams just below us nipping at our heels,” said Falco.