Head coach Duane Roen’s objectives for his Muskie junior girls’ split squad heading into last weekend’s tournament in Kenora were simple: learn the rotation, and have some fun.
Their measure of success just happened to add to the enjoyment of the situation.
With an equal mix of veterans and rookies on both teams, the black-and-gold made an early-season impact by finishing runner-up in both the Pool ‘A’ and Pool ‘B’ finals.
The first Muskie squad ran up against a tough Dryden Eagles team in the Pool ‘A’ championship match, losing the best-of-three showdown 2-0.
The second Muskie crew also were swept in the Pool ‘B’ final against the Hillcrest Colts (Thunder Bay).
“Our Pool ‘A’ squad played against a Dryden team that’s a very strong serving group,” noted Roen. “Our Pool ‘B’ team just seemed to run out of steam, especially a couple of the newer players.
“The tournament really showed us where we have to focus in practice,” he added. “Specifically, where we have to be on offence and defence, and how fast the transition needs to be.”
Roen’s gang initially was thrown off before their first regular-season match against the Broncos in Kenora last Thursday, when they realized they had literally gone to greater heights than the rest of their opponents during training camp.
“When we got up there, we found out the net has been lowered this year for junior girls, something no one told us about,” said Roen. “I picked our team in accordance with what I thought the height of the net was going to be.
“Knowing this may have changed who I picked,” he admitted.
“It’s going to make us more aggressive, as a lot more of our girls can get it over the net, but I don’t know if I agree with the change,” he added.
Net issues aside, Roen’s post-tournament analysis has buoyed his confidence about this season’s junior team.
“The girls are really happy with how they played,” he said. “We’ve got some very strong first-year players. Hopefully, they’ll be able to step up to the challenge we’re going to face in NorWOSSA.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
