Garcia-Bernal and Queens defeat Trojans at RDC

Red Deer, AB - The Red Deer College Queens had a consistent effort, winning all four quarters over the SAIT Trojans. They eventually wrapped-up a 67-46 home victory.

With a strong performance on the boards (17 to 7) and effective free-throw shooting (seven-for-eight), the RDC Queens captured a 19-14 lead by the end the first quarter. The Queens had many contributors, but Stockholm's Sophie Melin led the charge with five points. Lauren Bailey, a former Queen, had four points for SAIT.

RDC expanded its lead to 12 points in the second quarter (32-20). St. Albert's Lauren Cardinal totaled eight points, including a pair of three-pointers, two rebounds and one assist over 20 minutes, which sparked the Queens. Kendal Russell led the visitors with six points, including two successful free-throws.

By the half, the RDC Queens had connected on 29.4 per cent of their shots from the field. The SAIT Trojans responded with 21.6.

The Trojans had a good start to the third quarter, reducing the 12 point deficit to six (31-37). SAIT's Lauren Bailey found herself at the free-throw line several times, and over three quarters she sank six-of-eight. The Queens responded in the latter stages of the frame and were assisted by a pair of late buckets from Fort St. John's Britney Peters. RDC bumped its lead to 14 points (51-37).

The Queens began the final quarter with energy. A three from Val Rincon and bucket from Mallory Uskiw propelled the Queens ahead 62-41. Each team scored five points the remainder of the way and the RDC Queens finalized a 67-46 win. 

Sandra Garcia-Bernal was selected as the Collegiate Sports Medicine Queens Player-of-the-Game, contributing nine points, 13 rebounds, three steals and one assist. Richina Foggo was chosen for the Trojans, totaling six points, 13 rebounds, four steals and one assist.

The Queens recorded 60 rebounds and the Trojans had 45. 

RDC shot 34.8 per cent from the field. SAIT was 22.5 per cent successful.

On Friday, November 1, the Red Deer College Queens (1-1) will play the St. Mary's University Lightning (3-0) in Calgary at 6:00 p.m. On the same evening, the SAIT Trojans (0-2) will host the Ambrose University Lions (0-2).