WBB | Kodiaks Fall Short to Queens

Jan 24th, 2020 - The Lethbridge College Kodiaks opened their weekend at home Friday night against the Red Deer College Queens. The Kodiaks would host a back to back home series against the Queens. 

The first quarter began with an exceptional work ethic from both squads. The tempo of Friday's game was set early, proving that the rest of the night would be exhilarating. 

First year, Dez Jensen of Lethbridge, put her team on the scoreboard with a beautiful three pointer while also demonstrating tremendous poise on the court to keep her team calm under the pressure of Red Deer. While it took some time for Lethbridge to put some points on the board, they eventually found their stride. The Kodiaks finished the first quarter ahead by three with a score of 17-14.

Lethbridge started to command the game in the second quarter thanks to third year, Kirsten Barwegen and first year, Natalie Hoyt. Both players were grinding for their team while also making smart passes. Meanwhile, second year, Harneet Sidhu of Red Deer, was making a splash of her own for the Queens as she moved the ball around the court with precision and ease. Red Deer started to run a full court press against Lethbridge in the last four minutes, which gave them the lead they desperately wanted. Queens were up 39-29 at halftime. 

With the Queens holding such a great lead at the beginning of the third quarter, it was crucial that the Kodiaks pick up their play. Red Deer continued to pour on an immense amount of pressure on Lethbridge, making it difficult for the Kodiaks to catch their lead. The third quarter ended with a score of 55-47 for Red Deer, however Emily Greeno made a gorgeous three point buzzer beater to keep her team's spirits high. 

As the fourth quarter got underway, Lethbridge came out with a lot of energy, riding off Greeno's buzzer beater. Second year, Millay Johnson of Lethbridge put up a great three pointer to close the gap between Red Deer and themselves. As time was dwindling down, Lethbridge was full court pressing the Queens. The Kodiaks did everything in their power in an attempt to overtake Red Deer, however they came up short losing with a score of 67-76.

Matlin McMurray was relentless with her offensive and defensive rebounds, totaling seven throughout the game. Player of the game, Millay Johnson put up 22 huge points to keep her squad in a tight game with the Queens. Valentina Rincon earned player of the game for Red Deer and sunk 16 baskets.

Players of The Game:

Queens: #09 Valentina Rincon

Kodiaks: #23 Millay Johnson