The Northwestern women’s basketball team will face opponents of varying sizes, origins and skill levels throughout the 2001-02 season. When the Wildcats host RTU Klondaika at Welsh-Ryan Arena tonight in their second and final exhibition game, another variable will be thrown in – age.
The Latvian All-Star team has players ranging from 16 to 30 years old. NU will be the last game in RTU Klondaika’s 10-game Midwest tour.
The teams face off at 7 p.m.
Thus far, the Latvians have notched only one win, having also played Big Ten schools Michigan State and Michigan, dropping both contests.
“They’re getting better and I think we will be tested,” NU head coach June Olkowski said.
With their season opener against Northern Illinois approaching, the Cats are gunning for another strong showing after winning their first exhibition 79-57 over the Chicago Challengers on Nov. 6.
The Cats were happy to hear that freshman center Sarah Kwasinski will be ready to play. Kwasinski left NU’s first exhibition with a twisted ankle only moments after she entered the game.
Following an abysmal 4-23 record in 2000-01, the Cats’ future is looking much better. Led by Suzanne Morrison’s 13 points, NU’s freshmen scored 32 of the team’s 79 points against the Challengers.
Olkowski will start both Morrison and freshman Maria McCarthy at forwards, while junior center Leslie Dolland will come off the bench.
“No one’s won (a starting job) outright and I liked the performance of our young kids,” she said.
