Colborne, V-Reds must find their way

It's a very different season for Varsity Reds sophomore Claire Colborne.

The University of New Brunswick women's basketball team is far from the offensive force it was during the her rookie campaign in the Atlantic University Sport conference. With key players absent this season because of graduation or injury, concern over the squad's capabilities on offence enveloped the team. However, a different monster has reared its head.

UNB has the worst defence in the AUS.

It's blunt but true, and the team knows it. Only one more team has allowed more points than the Reds' 336 against. It's the Memorial Sea-Hawks who have surrendered 431 points. The Sea-Hawks have also played two more games.

The statistics tell a grim tale. Out of every category, the Reds are only ranked higher than sixth twice - UNB is fifth in rebounding defence and offensive rebounds. There are glaring issues on both sides of the ball and it's showing in the standings. The Reds (0-4) are the only club without a win.

"It's a difficult time, and mentally and physically we're very fatigued and exhausted," said Colborne. "All we've been doing is trying to push through and try and work harder."

She said it has been starting to creep into their psyche, but they're doing everything they can to stay focused for their weekend set with the Cape Breton University Capers (2-1), tonight at 6 p.m. and tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Richard J. Currie Center.

"Everyone seems a bit down, but we're trying to stick together and play together, and hopefully it'll show on the court," she said.

It's adversity the reigning Canadian Interuniversity Sport rookie of the year has yet to face. However, the alterations to the roster, with the graduation of key seniors Amanda Sharpe and Leah Corby a year ago have pushed the second-year wing into a leadership role.

"I think there's been a lot of adjustment for the rookies, but for the girls who played last year or previous years have kind of helped the rookies to get them used to our style of play," she said.

Colborne, who has been relied to carry the offensive load, ceded she needs to give a better example to the younger players. Her 16.3 point per game average this season is slightly off pace with her 18.3 mark from last year.

"My game definitely needs some improvement," she said. "Being a leader on the team, I need to step up and hopefully I can keep working out and keep pushing and hopefully I can do well on the court."

The Calgary native is far from defeated, however, despite the V-Reds' 0-4 start to the season.

"I think there's definitely a concern that it's going to be a struggle, but we definitely have the ability to overcome it and it's early in the season," she said. "So, we have a lot of time to practice and work hard. Hopefully this weekend can be a new start."

She believes they can find their stride and become competitive again.

"We have a lot of talent and great girls who can score," she said.

"I think it's just finding it within ourselves and putting it all on the line."