By Ben Waldman
The Ryerson women’s basketball team (5-1) showed that they deserved their eighth place ranking with a dominant 81-27 victory over the Nipissing Lakers Saturday night.
Nipissing came into the game with a 0-3 record in their first season of play, but coach Carly Clarke’s team didn’t let that change their style of play.
“We’re getting stronger and stronger at playing a complete 40 minute game,” said Clarke, emphasizing the importance of focus when ahead by a wide margin, as the Rams were for most of the game.
Sofia Paska, a six-foot-four forward, bruised her way to 17 points and six rebounds in only 18 minutes before giving way to the Rams bench players, who performed like starters in a more central role.
“It’s great knowing that someone has your back,” Paska said. “ [We] can trust everyone on the bench.”
Of the many players who came off the pine to contribute, fourth-year guard Faatimah A shone brightest, nabbing a game-best seven steals to go along with zero turnovers.
“Everybody fed off of the energy,” Faatimah said.
Faatimah buzzed around the court, brimming with intensity and Clarke was extremely impressed but not surprised.
“She brings energy [and] the girls get excited when she [makes plays],” Clarke said.
It’s that type of energy and focus that has the Rams on the upswing and the entire roster is benefitting from its team-first attitude.
All 12 Rams saw at least 13 minutes of court time, creating numerous opportunities to develop chemistry and continue to grow as a unit.
Depth has been a concern for the team in recent years, but this squad is different, and definitely in great shape moving into the second half of the season.
“We get contributions from 12 people every single day,” Clarke said. “[Tonight] we got that again.”
The team closes the 2014 half of the season next weekend on the road in Ottawa. They play the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Friday, Nov. 28 and then the Carleton Ravens Saturday, Nov. 29.
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