The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's basketball team hits the court again on Friday, Nov. 5 for their home opener with new faces, a new coach and a new attitude to their second season as a program.
 
"I think we've transitioned very well," said second-year guard Alyssa Carin. "It's going to be a fresh start."
 
Head coach Megan Grant is set to start her first season behind the bench after the last six years with the Laurier Golden Hawks as an assistant coach. Carin admits it's bittersweet to start with a new coach, but she has praise for her new bench boss.
 
"She's been a great addition to the team for sure," said Carin.
 
Unlike most teams at Ontario Tech, most of the Ridgebacks women's basketball team lived just doors from each other together during the pandemic. With sports returning to campus, the Ridgebacks have taken that to the next level, with 13 members living in the same complex.
 
"I think it helped our chemistry, especially for the new girls," said Carin. "It helped build a foundation since we weren't allowed in the gym (during the summer), we had team nights and games, so I think it was a good idea."
 
With Ontario Tech only losing Rhiannon Kissel and Alexanne L'Heureux from the rotation two years ago, they're posed to have another deep team led by Dalyssa Fleurgin and their centre duo of Vanessa Budimunda and Katherine Onunkwo.
 
While the Ridgebacks only won one game during their first season, the team began to develop a hard-nosed, defensive, hustle-oriented style of play towards the end of the season that saw the depth of their roster start to shine. 
 
"This year, we want to have a chip on our shoulder," said Carin. "Last year, it was kind of us just getting our footing, this year we want to make a statement and show we're here to stay. This isn't our trial year anymore."