The Matchup
The 0-2 Memorial Sea-Hawks will play their first home games of the season this weekend versus the 2-0 Dalhousie Tigers in a weekend double header Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and 12 at The Field House.
This will be the first meeting of the season between the two teams. Memorial and Dalhousie will play each other 4 times this season, after only playing twice last season in a pair of 4-point games. The Sea-Hawks swept the season series last season, claiming all 8 points, which turned out to be very important in clinching the final playoff spot last season
Last Action
The Sea-Hawks are coming off a pair of road losses to the U Sports #3 ranked Acadia Axewomen. Losing the Saturday night matchup 91-62, followed by a Sunday afternoon loss 83-61.
The Tigers secured home and away victories against the StFX X-Women last week. The Tigers and X-Women's two games were decided by a total of 5 points and included an overtime victory by the Tigers at home.
By the Numbers
87 – Memorial is giving up 87 PPG through the first two games of the season.
55.5 – Dalhousie is currently averaging 55.5 PPG to start the season.
16 – Reigning AUS 1st Team All-Star Sydney Stewart (Sarnia, ON) is averaging 16 PPG, which puts her in 5th place in the AUS scoring race.
Players to Watch
Sydney Stewart (Memorial) – Stewart will once again this season be a key contributor for the Sea-Hawks in a variety of areas. She currently leads the team in PPG (16.0), STL/G (2.0), and MPG (30.0).
Sammi Deakin-Sharpe (Memorial) – The 2nd year guard from Australia provides energy off the Sea-Hawks bench and projects to be a key performer all season long. Deakin-Sharpe currently leads the team in RPG (5.5).
Robertha Charles (Dalhousie) – Charles is currently averaging a double-double with 19.5 PPG (1st in AUS) and 10.0 RPG (6th in AUS).
Coach's Take
After dropping their first two games it will be a nice boost for the Sea-Hawks to come home and open the season in front of a home crowd says head coach Mark English.
"It is definitely exciting to have our home opener this weekend. There is always an extra buzz around with the 1st home games of the year and the team and coaches are eager to get a chance to play in front of our home crowd."
English knows his team will need to continue to show improvements on the glass if they are to secure victories this weekend.
"We have been working hard all week in practice and are continuing to talk about and work on winning the rebounding battle each game. We feel if we can take care of what with can control, then we will give ourselves a good chance this weekend against Dalhousie."