The women's basketball team opened the 2011-2012 season on Friday and Saturday night as they hosted the Sault Cougars and the Algoma Thunderbirds. All three teams were looking for their first wins of the season. The season openers came to early for the Redeemer Royals however as they continue to battle a number of key injuries. The injuries certainly were a factor this weekend as both veterans Morrisa Lychak (Nepean, ON) and Hannah Van De Kemp (Ajax, ON) had to watch from the bench.

The Lady Royals dropped a close contest on Friday night against Sault College 54-47 in a game where the team struggled to hit shots.  Despite the difficulties on offense, the team kept the game close by holding Sault to just 24.0% shooting and by putting together a tough, hard fought effort on the floor from the opening whistle. Allison Brouwer (Chatham, ON) had a team high 10 points and added 10 rebounds for a double-double in her first ever game as a Redeemer Royal. Kiesha Matineau and Danielle White led Sault with 13 points each.

Saturday night saw the Royals up against a more esperienced Algoma team who shot 53.1% in the first quarter giving them a lead that they were able to carry to the end. Algoma's 21 points off of 3 point shooting was the difference in the 73-38 loss for Redeemer. Algoma currently sits in first place in the OCAA West division. In the game, Redeemer's offensive struggles continued despite a team high 14 points from 1st year Esther Weima (Nepean, ON) along with 7 rebounds. Veteran Kelly Kellendonk (Tara, ON) added 8 points for the Royals. Corina Bruni had a game high 18 points for Algoma.

The Lady Royals now hit the road for their first away games of the new season as they travel to Humber College to battle the Hawks on Friday November 11th.