The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team moved to a perfect 6-0 record after completing the weekend sweep of the Regina Cougars on Nov. 26 and 27. 

After defeating the Brandon Bobcats in consecutive games in the season opening weekend, the Huskies returned to the PAC for the first time since their 2020 U Sports National Championship victory. The team celebrated their accomplishment by holding a ring ceremony where they unveiled the championship banner on Nov. 6. 

During the 2019-20 playoffs, current fifth-year forward Summer Masikewich was crucial to the Huskies’ victory, scoring over 15 points in four out of the six games. She reflected on finally receiving the championship ring for the team’s efforts in an interview with the Sheaf.

“It was honestly one of the best feelings in the world… it just made it even more sweet that we got to celebrate back on our home court… It was really special and a moment I will cherish forever,” Masikewich said. 

Masikewich has started the season in similar fashion to her 2019-20 campaign when she earned U Sports First Team All-Canadian honours. She is currently averaging 20.7 points per game, 10.0 rebounds per game and shooting 52.8 percent from the field, ranking top five in Canada West in all three categories. She credits her scorching start to “playing with confidence and enjoying this final season.” 

Team rebounding has been a major factor in the Huskies success early on, as they’ve outrebounded the opposition in four of their six wins.

“Rebounding is super important… On offense, it’s getting my team another shot and on defence, it’s limiting the [opposing] team to one shot,” Masikewich said. She added that “transition [offense] is key for our team,” further highlighting the importance of rebounding to the Huskies’ success. 

With the departure of fifth-year guards Sabine Dukate and Megan Ahlstrom, who were pivotal in the 2020 championship run, the Huskies required their incoming rookie guards to fit in seamlessly. First-year guards Téa Demong and Gage Grassick have done exactly that, providing a combined 14.4 points per game so far. Demong is active on the backboard with 31 rebounds, while Grassick is disruptive on defense, with 11 steals currently.

“[Demong and Grassick are] both super competitive… They both bring that presence at the guard position, playing aggressive“ Masikewich said. “We’re lucky to have them.” 

The team features eight first-year players on the roster. Despite the turnover, Masikewich noted that team chemistry has developed rapidly. 

“We worked on building that team cohesion and being connected… Something that ties us all together is we have that common goal of being the best team we can be,” Masikewich said. 

“All of us are very competitive and want to win. But at the same time, we really support each other… This team is really enjoying each other’s presence… We’ve got a really tight group.”

Masikewich elaborated that having a tight-knit group will pay off in high-stakes situations when teammates need to have each others’ back, and her words came to fruition when the team bested Regina 71-68 in an overtime game on Nov. 26. 

The Huskies have won five of their six games by a margin of 25 or more points, but Masikewich credited head coach Lisa Thomaidis for keeping the squad laser-focused and not getting complacent even when they are dominant. 

“She’s an amazing coach… She has so much knowledge and belief in us that we can be the best that we can be… we just had two weeks off there but we didn’t let up and she kept us accountable,” Masikewich said. 

Masikewich added that the team may have a “target on our back”, as every team plays the Huskies with maximal effort. 

“We never can assume that we’re going to beat a team by 30… We need to come out and play our best game in order to win.” 

The Huskies eye an 8-0 record as they close out the calendar year with a two-game homestand against the Manitoba Bisons, hosting them for Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 contests at the PAC. 

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Uday Chhina | Sports and Health Editor

Photos: Nicholas Saretzky | Contributing Photojournalist