(FREDERICTON, NB) Poise… that's what UNB Varsity Reds women's basketball coach Jeff Speedy says his team needs to find after a tough 77-54 loss to the University of Windsor Lancers.
The loss was the second of the exhibition season for Speedy's squad, against five wins.
Despite a close game through two quarters, Speedy says a lack of poise led to mistakes. "We had a stretch in the second quarter where we had three travels and a turnover in four straight possessions," says Speedy.
Third year guard Erica McFadden scored a game-high 15 points to lead the Lancers.
Laura Kaye led the UNB effort, scoring 13 points and pulling down 8 rebounds. Rachel Cleary added 10.
"I don't know how many minutes we played, but it wasn't 40," says Speedy.
Next up for the VReds, the regular season. UNB opens the Atlantic University Sport season November 6th, at Dalhousie. "We just need to find a way to play 40(minutes) and that'll give us a chance to win most games, with the talent that we have."
The Lancers are five-time, defending CIS champs.
And despite significant turnover, head coach Chantal Vallee is hoping to be back in Fredericton, in March, when UNB hosts the CIS women's basketball championship tournament. "The players know what the plane ride feels like, what the gym is like, so if we're back here, we're more comfortable."