The injury to foward Angela Tilk (in white) leaves the rest of the Rams hurting.

Courtesy Ryerson Athletics

 With star forward Angela Tilk expected to miss the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury, the onus is on the rest of the women’s basketball team to step up — not just in scoring, but in overall impact.

“We all have to take her workload,” said second-year guard Chloe Mago.

The Rams have struggled without their all-star forward, losing all seven pre-season games without her in the lineup.

“Now that (Angela) is out, everyone has to step up and fulfil their position. We need more presence in the paint,” said forward Annie Sokoloff, who plays the same position as Tilk.

The talk of rebounding was a common theme as the team opens up its season Friday at home against Lakehead.

“She’s a big part of our team. She’s the one that crashes the boards for us. As a guard, I believe that I have to get my offensive and defensive (rebounds up),” added Mago.

“Our fourth years need to step (up) because they are closest to Angela. They have to take a higher leadership role right now,” said Silvana Jez. “Second years, as well, can also take that role. We have to keep up our intensity and we just got to make sure we have someone to lead our squad.”

Approximately two months have passed since Tilk underwent surgery.

While sporting crutches, the fifth-year senior is still very much a part of the team, but her play on the court will be sorely missed.

“I’m not going to be in the paint anymore, so girls that could’ve used this year as a learning and rebuilding year are going to have to take on responsibilities that they otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Tilk.

“Other girls, whether it be forwards or guards, are going to have to take up more vocal leadership roles and help run the court.”

The Rams will travel to Waterloo to challenge the Warriors on Nov. 16.