CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women's basketball team will open the 2022-23 season as they host the UBC Okanagan Heat for two games this weekend. The action begins Friday at 6 p.m, while Saturday's game tips off at 4 p.m. Both games will be played inside the Jack Simpson Gym.
 
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
 
1. Standard Season Returns – After the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted regular play for the previous two seasons, Canada West basketball officially returns to the standard format for the 2022-2023 season. Each team will play a total of 20 games this season and teams will once again travel out of province. For more information about this season's schedule, visit GoDinos.com.
 
2. Not So Familiar Foe – The Dinos and Heat have only faced one another a total of 10 times in the past 12 years. The Dinos hold the upper hand in the matchup as they are 9-1 all-time against the Heat while remaining unscathed in conference play with a perfect 7-0 record. The last five matchups tell a similar story, with the Dinos holding the heat under 50 points in each game, though the two teams haven't met since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
3. Second-Year Standout – Dinos second-year guard Annacy Palmer led the Dinos in points-per-game and assists in her rookie campaign. Palmer averaged 12.3 ppg and totalled 36 assists while playing in every game for Calgary.
 
4. International Reinforcement – The Heat made noise this offseason as they acquired fourth-year guard Sofia Anisa Lluch via transfer from the Lakeland Thunderwolves of the OUA conference. Lluch, who was born in Spain and played there professionally during the 2020-21 season, averaged 14.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in her second season with the Thunderwolves.
 
5. Preseason Predictions – The 2022-23 women's basketball coaches poll projects where each team will finish during the regular season. The Dinos were picked fourth in this year's poll, while the Heat checked in at 12th. After numerous key injuries derailed the Dinos last season, they are prepared to be a force to contend with in CanWest once again this season.

-UC-