KELOWNA, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team kicked off their preseason with a strong weekend at the first annual Clash of the Clans tournament hosted in the Nisga'a Nation this past weekend.
The Heat, along with the MacEwan Griffins, Regina Cougars and Mount Royal Cougars, competed in three games over three days in the communities of Gingolx, Laxgalts'ap and Gitlaxt'aamiks. They also visited an elementary school, assisted with a coaching clinic and took in the scenery around the Nisga'a Nation, among other activities.
"As a team we are very grateful how much they welcomed us and shared their culture with us," commented Heat head coach
Bobby Mitchell following the trip. "Spending time in the classroom on day one, enjoying a drum circle and dance, to the basketball game we played with the children will be something we will always remember."
The action on the court saw the Heat open the weekend on Friday with a commanding 79-36 victory over the Griffins, followed by a 71-57 win over Mount Royal on Saturday.
On Sunday, UBCO squared off with Regina, who was also 2-0 entering the final day. The two teams came down to the final shots of the contest with the Cougars squeaking out a narrow 68-66 victory.
Following the tournament, two members of the Heat were named to the tournament all-star team. Fifth-year forward
Kelsey Falk of Vernon, B.C., was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Tournament while rookie guard
Tsuki Tsuzuki of Calgary, was honoured with the 6th Player award.
"On the basketball side of things, this was a good first weekend to get an idea of who we are," added Mitchell on the three games. "There is a lot to build off but still lots of work to be done. Lauren [Foullong], Lily [Pink] and Kelsey's leadership was very strong over the course of the weekend."
The Heat will continue their preseason schedule this weekend with two games in Calgary where they will face the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Friday, October 4 and Mount Royal on Saturday, October 5.
