WBB | Kodiaks Fall to Lightning at Home
Nov 4, 2017 – The memories of an early-season loss will fade, but the memories of a banner raising celebration will undoubtedly live on forever.
On one of the most anticipated evenings of the season, the Kodiaks cemented the lasting legacy of their undefeated 2016-17 women's basketball team by raising the team's championship banner to its rightful place in the rafters of the Val Matteotti Gymnasium on Saturday night.
Last year's team will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant in Kodiaks and ACAC history, after compiling a perfect 37-0 record in league, playoff, tournament and exhibition action.
Nearly every member of the team was reunited on Saturday night, as they received their championship rings prior to the Kodiaks game against the St. Mary's Lightning. Members from Lethbridge College's Executive Leadership Team and the Lethbridge College Kodiaks Athletic Association booster club were on hand to present the rings to the players and coaches.
"This is a Kodiaks team that will be remembered and celebrated as the seasons and generations go on," says Todd Caughlin, manager of Kodiaks Athletics. "Not only were they dominant on the floor, but they also represented the three pillars of Kodiaks Athletics, by showing tremendous community involvement and having excellent academic results."
The celebration on Saturday came partly at the expense of the Kodiaks opponent, the St. Mary's Lightning, who were defeated by the Kodiaks in the ACAC final last March.
It was clear the Lightning had one thing on their mind once the festivities were over: revenge.
Using a balanced offensive attack and high-tempo defence, the Lightning struck for a well-deserved 77-65 victory over the Kodiaks, showing they will be a force to be reckoned with in the ACAC south division this season.
With just four returners from last season's championship team, Lethbridge's roster has struggled to find its own identity early on in the season. The Kodiaks were unable to take care of the ball when matched against St. Mary's high tempo defence, committing 34 turnovers on the evening.
The Kodiaks did jump out to an early advantage, thanks in large part to strong play from fired-up veteran Amy Arbon. After receiving her championship ring, the fifth-year forward poured in a game high 22 points and came away with five steals.
It was not enough to withstand a relentless Lightning attack on this night, however, as Montana Romeril and Kennedy Burgess helped St. Mary's spoil the Kodiaks party. Romeril and Burgess poured in 16 and 14 points respectively.
The Lightning were particularly dominant down low, outscoring the Kodiaks 38-26 in the paint. St. Mary's led 44-35 at half and didn't look back, pushing their lead to as much as 20 in the fourth quarter.
With the loss the Kodiaks fall to 1-3 on the season, while the Lightning's record improves to 2-1.
The Kodiaks are back in action on Nov. 17 when they visit Olds College, and will return home for their final home game of the fall semester on Nov. 25.
Players of the Game:
Lightning – #8 Kennedy Burgess
Kodiaks – #5 Jaclyn Heggie
Players of the Game:
Lightning – #8 Kennedy Burgess
Kodiaks – #5 Jaclyn Heggie