Joey Payeur
The St. Thomas Aquinas Saints (Kenora) didn’t hit every shot they took.
It just seemed like they would.
A blistering 12-0 start propelled the Saints to a 41-16 romp over the host Rainy River Owls on Monday in the NorWOSSA ‘A’ regular-season opener for both teams.
“Usually, it’s pretty close between us and them,” said Owls’ coach Rebecca Tolen.
“Our passing was struggling today,” she conceded.
“I think our defence improved over the course of the game,” Tolen added.
“Those that were juniors last year just played zone last season, and I’ve got them playing full man-to-man defence this year, so there’s going to be a learning curve.”
The Owls went on a 6-0 run of their own to cut the lead in half, only to give up a 10-0 run to the Saints right after en route to trailing 24-10 at halftime.
The Saints only allowed one field goal in the third quarter–and just three in the entire second half.
Chelsea Henderson had 12 points to pace the visitors while Spencer Harasemchuk and Katie Marcine each had eight.
Madison Whetzel accounted for nearly all of the Owls’ offence, striking for 12 points, while Regan Big George and Aynsley Williams had two apiece.
“Madison’s a good, strong player and she’s our leader, the one the girls look up to,” lauded Tolen, who was disappointed with the play of veteran point guard Cass Teeple.
“She’s usually better for us but today was not her best day,” she said of Teeple, who was blanked on the scoresheet and committed several turnovers on ill-advised interior passes.
“I expect more out of her in the future.”
Rounding out the Owls’ roster this season are guards Kayla Brass, Lara Wood, Lillian Blakeney, Lynelle Westover, and Aubree McQuaker, along with post players Morgan Kreger, Paige Anderson, Mackenzie Jolicouer, and Paige Stamler.
“I kept more Grade 11s than Grade 12s this year on purpose,” Tolen noted.
“That’s because I’ve only got one Grade 10 coming up next year.”
Despite the early setback, Tolen still sees good things ahead.
“The girls get along well and [are] not very selfish at all,” she noted.
“The team is gelling nicely.
“It’s good sometimes to have a first-game loss,” Tolen reasoned.
“It makes you a little bit hungrier the next time out.”
The Owls hosted the Red Lake Rams yesterday (score unavailable at press time).
They don’t play again until Oct. 3 at home against the Ignace Falcons.
