Feeling the Blues

Douglas women’s basketball falls to Caps

By Eric Wilkins, Sports Editor

On January 31, the women’s basketball team made the trip out to North Vancouver to take on the Capilano Blues. Having beaten Capilano the last time out, Douglas was looking for a repeat performance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the cards as the Royals fell 69-58.

“We had a couple people not show up who are usually key players for us. And when that happens, it’s tough to win,” said coach Courtney Gerwing after the game.

Right out of the gate, it was evident that Capilano was ready for Douglas. By the time the Blues had put up 13 points, the visiting Royals had a mere two. The quarter was a difficult one for the Royals and they would come out of it down 25-16. In the second, Capilano continued to heavily pressure the inbounds pass, forcing Douglas into some mistakes that would give the hosts seven straight. But then the Royals started to show some life. The team went on an 11-point run that got started when Nanaya Miki drained a long two. After Mackenzie Brenner collected a deep pass and took it in herself for the layup, the momentum started to shift. Some hard work from Sarah Jorgenson and Miki helped the Royals along, and by the end of the half the score was a very manageable 36-31 for Capilano.

The Royals couldn’t maintain their energy in the second half though, and it was to be a forgettable one for the visitors. Jorgenson and Miki continued to put some points on the board in the third, but the squad was unable to keep pace with the hosts—a nine-point run near the end of the third quarter helping to illustrate the fact it was not to be the Royals’ night. The quarter ended with Cap still out in front 53-40. Although the Royals actually put up a solid 18 points in the third with Jettie McLaughlin and Simran Bir putting up a few, it just wasn’t enough. Final score 69-58 for Capilano.

“I think we’ve gelled a lot more. I think we’re still in it and I think lots of teams doubt us now. They came out ready to play and we didn’t and that’s what ultimately hurt us. But when we do come out ready, we surprise people,” commented Lauren Sollero on the team’s development since Christmas.

McLaughlin spoke to the team’s upcoming games against Kwantlen and CBC, two squads the Royals recently beat: “I never go into anything too confident because I believe when you’re too confident that’s when you make mistakes, but I’m definitely excited. I think we play and match up really well against them and we’re going to learn from mistakes we made last time.”