STRONG FIRST HALF GIVES VOYAGEURS SOMETHING TO BUILD ON FOR UPCOMING REGIONALS

LAC LA BICHE – At first glance, the score isn't flattering. An 8-1 loss, on home court. Granted, it was an exhibition match against the Keyano College Huskies, but still, the scoresheet doesn't look great. Then again, you have to dig a little deeper to discover the real story.

The Portage College Voyageurs – all nine of them – played a stellar first half against a solid opponent, and stayed with the visitors well into the second half before losing steam in the last 10 minutes. In fact, they scored first, on Keela Jones' valiant effort and proceeded to keep the Huskies at bay for most of the first half, thanks to strong defensive play and a stellar effort from goalkeeper Lilly Mangan.

"The performance they did in the first half was excellent," said Head Coach Macky Singh after the game, noting that with only nine regulars, it makes is challenging to sustain the energy for a full 50 minutes against opponents with much larger benches. "Unfortunately that's gonna happen. Our legs are gonna go."

As they prepare for the first Northeast Regional tournament January 17 and 18 in Fort McMurray, Singh knows what his small squad needs to work on if they are going to build on their impressive first half showing against Keyano.

"In the second half, we just have to try to work hard on our focus and concentration," he said. "That'll go a long way."