Page 143 – Algonquin Times

Project Lighthouse works to diminish sexual violence through education and support

Every Tuesday Project Lighthouse hosts Scones and Tea which is an event that talks about sex, sexuality, consent and dating. There are weekly videos posted on the student services Instagram page. “We’re trying to create lots of different ways for interacting to happen to get the education out to students,” said Sarah Crawford, the sexual […]

Jantina Huizenga

Photos: Jantina Huizenga

February 24, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Jantina Huizenga

The Project Lighthouse website has free resources available to students.

Every Tuesday Project Lighthouse hosts Scones and Tea which is an event that talks about sex, sexuality, consent and dating. There are weekly videos posted on the student services Instagram page.

“We’re trying to create lots of different ways for interacting to happen to get the education out to students,” said Sarah Crawford, the sexual violence prevention and harm reduction coordinator at Algonquin College.

Sexual assault is an issue that occurs in almost every post-secondary school across Canada and most schools have support systems for victims of sexual assault. Algonquin College’s Project Lighthouse is a group hoping to diminish sexual violence through events, education and support groups at the college.

One in 10 women has reported sexual assault in post-secondary schools. More young females tend to experience sexual assault than young men, although four per cent of young men have reported being sexually assaulted according to Statistics Canada.

Many sexual assault cases go unreported as people feel nervous or afraid that they will not be taken seriously. Statistics Canada states that in 2019, 71 per cent of post-secondary students have experienced or witnessed sexual assault.

Julia Timewell, a nursing student at Algonquin College, believes sexual assault is not talked about enough at Algonquin and individuals are not educated enough, which results in unreported assaults.

“They are scared that maybe that’s just how it’s meant to be because they don’t know any better,” she said.

Project Lighthouse is there for any student that has experienced sexual violence in any way. On the Project Lighthouse website, free resources and brochures are available to students to download and print.

Project Lighthouse has a partnership with the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre and the sexual assault care program at the hospital.

“They will be believed and cared for, there is support available, we have resources on campus,” said Crawford.

As well as their free resources, they have held events in the past and have hosted guest speakers. Between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., every Monday to Friday, there is a peer support group that is accessible via Microsoft teams, live chat or texting the peer support line at 613-703-8883. The weekly videos are posted on the student services Instagram page @algonquincollegess.

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Project Lighthouse | Sexual assault

Jantina Huizenga

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Justin Trudeau revokes controversial Emergencies Act

Local News CTV News: The “Freedom Convoy” protests that occupied Ottawa’s downtown core for the past three weeks have cost the city approximately $30 million, according to Steve Kanellakos, the city manager. This estimate is based on estimated policing costs of $800,000 a day and city service costs of $200,00 a day. Kanellakos said the […]

Evangeline Sanderson

Photos:

February 24, 2022
Revised: February 24, 2022 11:10am

Local News

CTV News: The “Freedom Convoy” protests that occupied Ottawa’s downtown core for the past three weeks have cost the city approximately $30 million, according to Steve Kanellakos, the city manager. This estimate is based on estimated policing costs of $800,000 a day and city service costs of $200,00 a day. Kanellakos said the city should have exact figures by next week and will seek funding from the provincial and federal government.

National News

Toronto Star: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday afternoon that he will be revoking the controversial Emergencies Act. This announcement comes 10 days after Trudeau invoked the act and its extraordinary powers to end border blockades and the occupation of downtown Ottawa by “Freedom Convoy” protesters. Trudeau is claiming the situation is “no longer an emergency.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced soon after that the province of Ontario would be following suit, and lifted its state of emergency as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.

International News

CBC News: Ukraine declared a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday after Russian lawmakers authorized President Vladimir Putin to use military force outside the country the previous day – a move that may foreshadow a broader attack on Ukraine. The decision also comes after Putin’s play Monday to recognize the independence of separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine in order to sanction the deployment of Russian troops there to “maintain peace.” The state of emergency enables the country to block rallies, place restrictions on movement and ban political parties and organizations.

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Algonquin College ending vaccine passport requirements on campus

Algonquin College announced it will discontinue its vaccine passport system March 1, in conjunction with the new COVID-19 health and safety guidelines set by the Ontario government Algonquin College president Claude Brulé made the announcement in an email to students and faculty. Algonquin College will be maintaining the requirement to do a self-screening test on […]

Cameron Ryan

Photos: Cameron Ryan

February 24, 2022
Revised: February 24, 2022 5:12pm

Photo: Cameron Ryan

The Ontario government is no longer enforcing the vaccine passport system beginning on March 1.

Algonquin College announced it will discontinue its vaccine passport system March 1, in conjunction with the new COVID-19 health and safety guidelines set by the Ontario government

Algonquin College president Claude Brulé made the announcement in an email to students and faculty.

Algonquin College will be maintaining the requirement to do a self-screening test on the AC mobile safety app, before entering campus.

The announcement comes as Ontario begins lifting more pandemic restrictions, including indoor gathering limits which were increased to 50 people from the previous limit of 10 on Feb 17.

As a result of the increased capacity limits and looser restrictions, many services on campus can begin operating at full capacity.

Restaurant International, the Wolves Den and the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre are all open at full capacity.

The Algonquin Commons theatre can operate at 50 per cent capacity and will be allowed to operate at full capacity beginning on March 1.

Some students are supportive of ending the vaccine passport system on campus.

“I think it’s a pain—to get it on my phone every morning,” said Ben Newsome a first-year plumbing student.

Newsome’s classmate, Klester Escala, disagreed. He said the college should wait a few more months to end the vaccine passport system. Escala said there are still many cases of COVID-19.

Parveen Kaur, a second-year manufacturing engineering technician student, supports ending the vaccine passport on campus.

But, Emma Snider, an interactive media design student, does not agree with the decision.

“I just don’t understand why. It’s not a big deal to show our passport at the doors and it doesn’t make any sense after all the time and energy to end it now when we are halfway through a semester,” she said.

Algonquin College has been requiring proof of vaccination to enter all three of its Ontario campuses since Sep 7, 2021.

Life | News | People

Activities | Campus | Restaurants | Vaccine

Cameron Ryan

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Rideau Centre evacuated after gun scare

Local News CTV News: The Rideau Centre was evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a man was spotted in the mall with what appeared to be a firearm. A 50-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with numerous firearms offences. The Rideau Centre had just reopened on Tuesday for the first time since it was […]

Cameron Ryan

Photos:

February 23, 2022
Revised: February 23, 2022 3:54pm

Local News

CTV News: The Rideau Centre was evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a man was spotted in the mall with what appeared to be a firearm. A 50-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with numerous firearms offences. The Rideau Centre had just reopened on Tuesday for the first time since it was closed during the protests downtown which lasted for three weeks. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

National News

CBC: Jean Charest is mulling a bid for leadership of the federal Conservative Party according to sources within the party. Charest was a former cabinet minister in the Mulroney and Campbell governments and was leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1993 to 1998. Charest has long been rumoured to be interested in leading the Tories and on Tuesday four sitting Tory MPs signed an open letter in La Presse calling on Charest to run for leadership. The race to replace former leader Erin O’Toole has not officially begun.

International

CTV : Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Tuesday that Canada will be imposing financial sanctions on the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The regions which are within Ukraine’s sovereign borders were recognized as independent by Moscow on Monday. Canadians will not be permitted to do any business in the two regions of Eastern Ukraine.

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Why dedication is essential in the veterinary technician program

For many people, working with animals sounds like a dream. But the reality of that dream is much harder than you may think. Students in the veterinary technician program at Algonquin College have been facing those realities. The competitive two-year program has not only been made more difficult because of COVID-19 protocols, but also by […]

Myriam Landreville

Photos: Myriam Landreville

February 23, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Myriam Landreville

The vet tech students learn about parasitology, among other subjects, in lab classes held on campus.

For many people, working with animals sounds like a dream. But the reality of that dream is much harder than you may think.

Students in the veterinary technician program at Algonquin College have been facing those realities. The competitive two-year program has not only been made more difficult because of COVID-19 protocols, but also by the nature of what students study.

Shannon Reid, the clinical coordinator for the veterinary programs, says that burnout and compassion fatigue is common in the field of veterinary work. “It is a very challenging job and isn’t for everyone,” she said.

“It is important to recognize dedication from the students in the program,” Reid said. “One of the things that people may not realize when they come into the program is the required level of dedication. Our students that have graduated from the program will undoubtedly have that and I think that is something they should proudly wear with a badge of honor.”

This dedication requires a lot of work.

“The workload is ridiculous,” said Cas Waterman a first-year vet tech student. “I had to switch to a reduced workload. I felt like if I had continued with a full workload I wouldn’t have been as successful.”

Although the pandemic has meant that Waterman has missed having some classes in-person, they do not regret their decisions. “It will help me in the long run,” they said.

Waterman’s career goals include working with exotic animals someday or in emergency and critical care. “I will need an extra year to achieve that goal,” Waterman said.

Gandalf the cat, an animal that lives in the facility — Gandalf the cat, is an animal that lives in the facility. Photo credit: Myriam Landreville

Bethannie Nicol, a first-year veterinarian technician student, has wanted to work with animals as long as she can remember.

“I have a love for animals,” she said. She hopes the vet tech program will help her achieve that dream.

Although that love of animals has been pushing her through the program, it has not been an easy ride.

“We are battling online and in-person classes at the same time and it can be hard to get to classes and to make sure you are on top of everything,” Nicol said. “As much as I had my struggles, I know for a fact this is my passion and I won’t ever be happy if I don’t do this.”

The veterinarian technician program is a very competitive program to get into. It often has a waitlist of over 700 applicants. In order to get accepted, students must complete the Algonquin College Health Program Administration Test or AC-HPAT.

The test, which was adopted in 2016, assesses if students have the knowledge and skills to excel in the highly competitive health programs at Algonquin College.

The program’s high standards require students to be physically strong as well.

“It is a physically demanding program and requires students to work really hard and be mature and responsible,” Reid said.

“I think all of those things make our graduates fantastic. They are being recruited as students because of how much in high demand they are. So I think it’s important to recognize that our vet-tech grads are just awesome.”

The veterinarian technician students are also able to give back to the community while being in the program.

The program runs an adoption clinic in the Algonquin College Woodroffe campus facility in partnership with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals de l’Outaouais.

The students get to hone their skills while helping the animals. Under supervision, the students help prep and assist with surgeries such as neuters, vaccinations and dental surgeries. The animals are then adopted out and all of the proceeds are given to the SPCA.

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Covid-19 | Pandemic | Vet tech | Veterinary technician program

Myriam Landreville

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Alcohol consumption among Canadians has changed during the pandemic

Without the responsibility of in-person classes, some students have found they now have the ability to have their microphones and cameras turned off during classes which allows them to do other activities. This includes drinking alcohol. “Morning classes are now not a reason to not drink the night before, as I have nowhere to be […]

Jantina Huizenga

Photos:

February 23, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

The pandemic has made some people consider how their drinking habits are affecting them and how to drink in moderation.

This includes drinking alcohol.

“Morning classes are now not a reason to not drink the night before, as I have nowhere to be but on my computer in bed,” said Shelby Oldham, a student in the graphic design program at Algonquin College. Oldham admits that occasionally near the end of an online class she will have a drink.

Consuming alcohol during post-secondary studies is not out of the ordinary, but the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a rising concern about alcohol consumption among students across Canada.

The lack of social gatherings, mental illnesses and online classes have caused students to find other ways to cope.

According to a survey done by Statistics Canada, the number of people who consumed five or more alcoholic beverages on days they drank, grew from 11 per cent to 18 per cent between 2017 and 2021. Although, during the same study 33 per cent of people aged 15 to 29 noticed a decrease in their consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The pandemic has made some people consider how their drinking habits are affecting them and how to drink in moderation.

“In the first year of the pandemic I saw the effects it had on my mental health and body,” said Olivia Green, a hairdressing student at Algonquin College. “It has made me realize the happy medium with drinking, instead of binge drinking.”

A study done by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto states that during the first four months of the pandemic, alcohol purchases have increased by more than $250 million.

Featured Story | Life

Alcohol | Covid-19 | Pandemic

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When the pandemic is behind us, I will miss masks

Two years into the pandemic, with the lifting of mask mandates on the horizon, one thing has become clear to me: I will miss wearing a mask in public when COVID-19 is over. Face masks are beautiful. I do not want to say goodbye to mine or anyone else’s. The pre-masking days feel so distant […]

Magan Carty

Photos: Aadil Naik

February 23, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Aadil Naik

"I perceive mask wearers to be well-put-together, good-looking, law-abiding citizens. They are easier to approach, less intimidating and more on my level," writes the author.

Two years into the pandemic, with the lifting of mask mandates on the horizon, one thing has become clear to me: I will miss wearing a mask in public when COVID-19 is over.

Face masks are beautiful. I do not want to say goodbye to mine or anyone else’s.

The pre-masking days feel so distant and strange now. It is engrained in my mind every time I leave my apartment: wallet, keys, phone, mask. I have not been allowed to enter any public place in Ottawa without a mask since July 2020, so unlearning this rule will be strange.

It is just a piece of fabric. I do not feel like my freedom has been taken away. Plus, it makes everyone, including myself, look way more attractive than they actually are.

The desire to continue wearing my masks has nothing to do with health and everything to do with how I look. I love the excuse to hide the part of my face I would prefer not to share, zits and all. And I have saved so much money on make-up since the only area I need to tend to in my current morning ritual is the eyes.

There is something so inherently theatrical about putting on a mask when entering the public stage and taking it off only in private or outdoor settings. My unmasked and un-distanced self, literally and figuratively, is not for everyone. It is reserved for small groups of people whom I deeply trust.

I am not alone in how I feel. A recent study at Cardiff University discovered a surprising new reason to mask up, suggesting face masks “make wearers look more attractive.”

The study found faces are considered most attractive when covered by blue medical face masks.

“We also found faces are considered significantly more attractive when covered by cloth masks than when not covered,” the research stated. “Some of this effect may be a result of being able to hide undesirable features in the lower part of the face – but this effect was present for both less attractive and more attractive people.”

Pandemic rules have changed how people wearing masks are perceived by others.

“The results run counter to the pre-pandemic research where it was thought masks made people think about disease and the person should be avoided,” said Dr. Michael Lewis, an expert in the psychology of faces from Cardiff University’s School of Psychology.

I perceive mask wearers to be well-put-together, good-looking, law-abiding citizens. They are easier to approach, less intimidating and more on my level. I am way more comfortable around strangers when I am beneath the mask. And when I catch a glimpse of myself in a public washroom, as vain as it sounds, I like how I look.

Iana Shemetova, an Algonquin College student in the police foundations program, also agrees.

“Masks give a person some mysterious flair,” she said.

Shematova thinks masks make people look more attractive because they automatically draw attention to their eyes and emphasize features of the upper half of the face.

“Many masks have a central vertical seam that could visually elongate even the roundest of faces, while the side edges create an illusion of a sharp jawline, just like a trimmed beard,” said Shematova.

Mandates aside, I like wearing a sharp jawline on my face and drawing attention to my eyes, which are my most expressive feature. I like focusing more on other people’s eyes. I like the neutrality and commonality masks create amongst large groups of diverse people.

I have acquired quite a collection of non-disposable masks hand-sewn by artists I am proud to support. In addition to the blue hospital masks and KN-95s, I have masks with cats on them, sparkly masks, Christmas masks, summer-themed masks, winter-themed masks, masks with moon and stars, masks with figure skates, masks with the logos of companies I have worked for, the list goes on.

They have become a large part of my identity and self-expression – an accessory and fashion component of every outfit. When a young child comes into the drama class I teach on Sunday afternoons wearing a mask with Elsa from Frozen on it, I have something to compliment them on right away.

Although masks are furiously debated and many people cannot wait to lose theirs, I am not ready to say goodbye just yet. If Doug Ford does as he says and lifts the mandate this March, I will still be rocking my collection for quite a while.

Featured Story | Opinions

Covid | Covid-19 | COVID-19 Restrictions

Magan Carty

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Eternity Martis says improving the college experience for BIPOC students requires institutional change

The first time Eternity Martis saw another black person on campus as she crossed a bridge, it brought her joy. She envisioned it leading to a long friendship. But when she was ignored, it opened her eyes to the plights of the BIPOC-student community, and how things were far from acceptable. Eternity Martis, award winning […]

Aadil Naik

Photos: Race, Campus Life and Growing Up, believes students experiencing racism need institutions to stand with them. Sarah Crawford, sexual violence prevention and harm reduction coordinator, interviewed her about these issues and more. Photo credit

February 22, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Race, Campus Life and Growing Up, believes students experiencing racism need institutions to stand with them. Sarah Crawford, sexual violence prevention and harm reduction coordinator, interviewed her about these issues and more. Photo credit

Eternity Martis, award winning author of They Said This Would Be Fun

Eternity Martis, award winning author of They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life and Growing Up, spoke to students about the need for institutional change in colleges and universities, based on her experience as a BIPOC student, on Thursday, Feb. 17.

The Toronto-based journalist experienced micro-aggressive as well as overtly racist behaviour throughout her time as a student at Western University, and said campuses are the biggest perpetrators of institutional racism.

While researching for her book – a memoir of her experiences as a BIPOC student – Martis realised these weren’t isolated incidents. Hate crimes and racism are common in educational institutes, and the BIPOC community is far more vulnerable. Most don’t complain as nothing meaningful comes of it.

The author is a strong proponent of mental wellbeing – she’s been in therapy since 2017 – and says having mental health services dedicated to the BIPOC community, staffed by BIPOC professionals and experienced in their issues is the need of the hour.

Martis believes that for institutional racism to change for the better, it also needs influential allies. “Power and privilege can be used for good,” she said. But the group you want to be an ally with must validate you as an ally.

It’s also important that experiences of students are validated. Her book debunks the myth that young people are having the time of their life at college. “It’s not like American Pie,” she said.

Her final piece of advice was that it’s false you need to be a certain age to have experiences that matter. It happens, and students are experiencing it regularly. Do not dismiss it.

Featured Story | Life

Racism

Aadil Naik

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Graduates entering the tourism industry have had to learn without hands-on training

With Algonquin College continuing virtual learning for the second half of the winter semester, some soon-to-be graduates from the tourism-travel services program say there have been missed opportunities because of the pandemic. Riley Hoogsteen, a fourth-semester tourism-travel services student in the program, feels that students are losing the opportunity for hands-on experience and it is […]

Online Editor

Photos: Stephane Gunner

February 22, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Stephane Gunner

Ryan Bonacci, a part-time tourism-travel instructor, says that the program will be hosting employer presentations that walk students through the day in an employee's life for a particular company.

Riley Hoogsteen, a fourth-semester tourism-travel services student in the program, feels that students are losing the opportunity for hands-on experience and it is hard to jump into a field without it.

Hoogsteen entered the program to transfer his work experience in the services and retail industry.

"I worked in the service industry before through culinary experiences and retail, and I like helping people and letting them have a good day," said Riley Hoogsteen, a tourism-travel services student.

“I worked in the service industry before through culinary experiences and retail, and I like helping people and letting them have a good day,” said Hoogsteen. “So I thought combining my passion for travel and learning about the world and helping people and is why I ended up here.”

Hoogsteen says that because of the circumstances, the program does not want students applying for field placements because they are unsure if the companies are able to – or want to – take on co-op students.

“Many students are going to graduate in three months, and a lot of us are going to be kind of lost in what direction we need to go and what we can do,” said Hoogsteen.

Remote learning, however, has been helpful for some students.

Elizabeth McKenzie, a fourth-semester tourism-travel services student, said she will finish the two-year program virtually without physical hands-on training before entering the tourism industry.

“I started the program online and will complete the entire two years with no lab time and no physical hands-on training entering the tourism industry,” said McKenzie, a fourth-semester student in the tourism program.

McKenzie said their placement weeks were cancelled because of COVID-19 and everyone has to deal with it in so many different ways.

In Nov. 2019, McKenzie was in a car accident. She had injuries and could not return to work that had physical requirements.

“I had almost no use of my left hand,” said McKenzie. “I am left-handed and it was due to nerve injury in my neck and my shoulder. I also had a bit of a hip displacement.”

Elizabeth Mckenzie, a fourth-semester tourism-travel services student, has enjoyed learning remotely. Photo credit: Elizabeth Mckenzie

Despite the stresses of finance and insurance claim issues, she took care of her elderly mother, which built up depression. However, for McKenzie, virtual learning worked.

“So it’s been a good thing for me to be online,” she said. “It served me very well, in respect to the craziness of my life. If it were not for COVID, I would not be able to get back on my feet which is kind of a catch-22, a love-hate relationship.”

Ryan Bonacci, a part-time tourism-travel instructor and program graduate, says the program has been looking for alternative ways to expose students to different companies and roles within the tourism industry.

“Traditionally, within the tourism and travel services program, there is a field placement where students can go and work, but of course, we cannot do that right now,” said Bonacci.

In addition to teaching part-time, Bonacci works full-time for AMEX Global Business Travel as a product manager.

Bonacci says that the program will be hosting employer presentations that walk students through the day in an employee’s life for a particular company. Students can interact, network, connect and see what types of jobs are out there.

The virtual field placement for the students will be from March 7 through 14.

“Either during the pandemic or coming out of the pandemic, I think we are doing a good job, at least within the tourism and travel services program to assist and help the students with their career,” said Bonacci. “In a nutshell. Moving to an online environment, while not ideal for anyone, regardless of the program, I believe we have been able to make it work.”

Featured Story | News

Algonquin college | Co-op | Covid-19 | Placements | Travel and tourism

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Wolves quell Lancers and Surge to sweep ARC openers

The Algonquin College women’s basketball team defeated the Loyalist Lancers 51 – 46 on Friday evening, then thrashed the St. Lawrence Surge 70 – 34 on Saturday afternoon. Algonquin heads back to Toronto on a two-game winning streak after winning the team’s first games ever played at the new Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. […]

Kolbe Devaux

Photos: Kolbe Devaux

February 21, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Kolbe Devaux

Wolves talking to head coach Jaime McLean before the first home game of the season.

The Algonquin College women’s basketball team defeated the Loyalist Lancers 51 – 46 on Friday evening, then thrashed the St. Lawrence Surge 70 – 34 on Saturday afternoon.

Algonquin heads back to Toronto on a two-game winning streak after winning the team’s first games ever played at the new Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre.

The Wolves were caught in a low-scoring home opener on Sept. 18, until they opened a 10-point lead over Loyalist Lancers with under five minutes to play in the fourth quarter.

However, the visitors went on a nine-point run to cut the lead to one point with two and a half minutes to play.

Head coach Jaime McLean was less than impressed with his team’s performance but satisfied with the result.

“It’s a W. We’ll take that,” he said. “There was a lot of undisciplined play on our part but that comes with being a rookie team.”

“We were giving up easy shots,” said McLean. “Offensively we were settling for okay rather than fighting for the great shots we can get. Thankfully we pulled out a few stops and controlled the end.”

Rookie Jennica Klassen shared her coach’s opinion on the team’s 51 – 46 win.

“Obviously this wasn’t our best game as a team, but it feels good to be out there,” said Klassen. “I think we can and will play better tomorrow.”

The forward was excited about playing in the ARC.

“This is my first year playing so I didn’t play in the other building, but we’ve practiced in the other building and it’s so nice here,” she said. “It’ll be really nice when fans are here.”

Jennica Klassen drives towards the basket against the Loyalist Lancers. Photo credit: Kolbe Devaux

Jennica Klassen, Algonquin Wolves Rookie Guard

Klassen’s prediction about Saturday’s game would come true as the Wolves shrugged off their close encounter with the Lancers to put in a defensive clinic against the St. Lawrence Surge.

Through the first three quarters, the Wolves gave up fewer points than they had in the previous quarter – 10 in the first, six in the second and only five in the third.

“Today we set right from the get-go how we wanted to play defensively and did a really good job with our matchups,” said McLean, after the game. “Seeing this bounce back and great defense gives me great hope on what we can build on, going through the rest of the year.”

Four of the starting five ended the game in double figures but McLean believes there’s still room for improvement.

“There was some stuff with our offense where we weren’t getting the best look we could on the floor,’ he said. “Part of the conversation after the game was making sure we know how to execute and that comes with experience.”

Dasia McDonald bringing the ball up court against the Loyalist Lancers. Photo credit: Kolbe Devaux

Dasia McDonald, Algonquin Wolves Rookie Guard

The head coach was full of praise for his team’s effort.

“Those first three quarters, our girls really fought to win the game by winning the rebounding battle and that comes back to effort,” said McLean.

Defensively, the Wolves were dominant. They held the Surge to 34 – the lowest number of points any team has scored thus far this season in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association women’s basketball league.

Their 70 – 34 win also recorded the second-largest victory this season with a margin of 36 points.

Algonquin next faces the Seneca Sting on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the Newnham Campus in North York.

Featured Story | Sports & Recreation

Algonquin Wolves | Basketball | Julie mccann | Sports

Kolbe Devaux

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