2010-2011 Season Outlook

The silver lining to a "mildly disappointing" year, as coach Mike Clarke termed the 2009-2010 campaign, lies in the strong likelihood of returning a core of players who feel that they have something to prove. This could well be the story-line for the upcoming season.

"I think having some new kids that area really hungry and some returning players that are really looking to expand their roles with us this year", notes coach Clarke in a mid-summer interview.

Local talent will be front and centre once again in 2010-2011 as Lisa Fuchner from Lasalle Secondary and former Lockerby Vikings star Katie Goggins are the only two returning starters who will take to the court when the season kicks off come November.

Coming off her first all-star selection, Goggins, a 5th year guard, is expected to establish the Lady Vees as "her team" this year. "Katie has really emerged as a much better leader" says Clarke, who notes that the L.U. scholar has gradually become much more comfortable in addressing her teammates when need be.

While the likes of Jenna Kennedy, Lyndi Meloche and Carly Blaseg are all expected to make much more significant contributions this year, it's definitely the rookie class that has Clarke more than a little optimistic about what lies ahead.

"I think we have at least a couple of kids who have rookie team potential," states Clarke, adding that the variety and depth of this incoming group is among the best he's witnessed in his years at Laurentian.

More local content for Sudbury and area fans as guard Erin Simpson from Lockerby will enjoy the opportunity to witness and learn alongside one of the best in the conference, teaming with Goggins at various times in the backcourt.

"At our level, playing with Katie, should help ease her in, not having to make as many decisions", stressed coach Clarke. Up front, Orillia native Rebecca Goodier is expected to step in and contribute, to some extent, right from the get-go.

"There's no aspect of the game that she hasn't already been asked to do, either on her high school team or with club ball", said Clarke of the graduate of Park Street Collegiate. With Emma Decloe (Sundridge) and Mary Scott (Ottawa) rounding out this year's recruiting class, Clarke understands that patience will be needed early on.

"Being so young, my gut feeling is that we may struggle a bit at the beginning of the year - there's going to be moments of brilliance mixed in with some bad moments when a team is this young", Clarke acknowledges.

"I think we will play a similar style as last year, I just think we'll be better at it - we'll be able to play a little faster and more up-tempo offensively." Encouraging signs for L.U. fans who have grown accustomed to enjoying the excellence of the Lady Vees program over the years.