Christine Kennedy felt right at home, doing what she usually does directing the action on the UNBC basketball court.
Soili Smith was back in her usual spot as an offensive catalyst for the Northern Timberwolves. But with Saturday night's game came the realization the roles have changed for these two now retired veterans.
They're part of the Northern Timberwolves alumni team now, no longer key ingredients in season-long quest to bring provincial and national college titles back to Prince George.
"It's really weird playing against them because I'm still helping out with the team [as an unofficial coach]," said Kennedy, whose alumni team lost to the varsity T-wolves 72-43.
"[Saturday] they did a lot of what we've worked on and I'm really proud of them. We had talented people on our alumni team but we were exhausted. It was close until the fourth quarter."
Smith did her part, leading the alumni with 12 points, and Kennedy chipped in with nine, but it wasn't enough. Down by a 27-20 count at halftime, the alumni's older legs couldn't keep pace with that of the varsity squad.
One thing that became apparent early on was Jennifer Clyne's ability to finish off scoring plays for the varsity team. The fifth-year forward's speed and accurate shooting from close range spelled trouble for the alumni as she collected a game-high 19 points.
"I was really hoping I wouldn't be too rusty in the first game and it felt good," said Clyne. "Usually in the alumni game you're just finding your shot again but it felt really natural and I'm happy. We've been training really hard and I'm sure [the alumni] haven't been."
Sarah Robin picked up 14 points to the varsity T-wolves, while Jennifer Bruce had 11.
"My veterans are solid, we're going to be OK in the post and [at every position], and the veterans played calm cool and collected, and that's a great way for the rookies to play," said UNBC head coach Loralyn Murdoch. "Blocking out was a problem for us and they got a lot of offensive rebounds. We just have to be tougher."
Jennifer Knibbs distinguished herself Saturday as the heir apparent to replace Kennedy as the starting point guard, and Knibbs had the unenviable job of playing one-on-one against the former All-Canadian, picking up six points in the process. Rookies Ashley McMillan and Danielle Steele also showed flashes of brilliance with their inside dribbling and crisp passing to set up open shooters.
"Knibbs is probably going to take over that position and between her and Ashley McMillan we're going to be absolutely fine," said Murdoch. "[Kennedy] is a helluva player and they did a good job on her both on the offensive end and on the defensive end. This was a great test."
UNBC's next preseason game action will be on Oct. 7-8 at Grande Prairie Regional College against the Wolves.
