Women’s basketball team defeat Gaels in OUA Marquee Matchup

The Lakehead women’s basketball team won their OUA Marquee Matchup with the Queen’s Gaels on Saturday night by a score of 76-64.

“Tonight’s win was a very big win for our team,” Thunderwolves head coach Jon Kreiner said, “and it took a full team effort.” Eight different Thunderwolves played more than 15 minutes in the match.

Leashja Grant led the way, scoring 30 points and pulling down 13 rebounds in 30 minutes. “Leashja got the ball moving,” Kreiner said, “but it was our bench, led by Tianna, Sofia, and Charlotte, that really gave us the boost to get our first win over Queen’s in four years.” Guards Sofia Lluch and Karissa Kajorinne contributed crucial minutes in the backcourt, combining for 20 points and 12 assists. Queen’s was paced by standout Marianne Alarie’s 19 points, below her season average, and was limited to 37% shooting.

“We ran into trouble at times tonight,” Kreiner said, “especially in the beginning of the third, with turnovers and not moving the ball.” The Thunderwolves carried a one-point deficit into the half, but by the end of the third, Lakehead was up ten. “Down five with 16.5 minutes left in the game we scored on 7 of 11 ball reversals, and did a great job of finding the open player,” Kreiner said.

The win brings Lakehead’s women’s team to 6-1, and drops Queen’s to 6-2. The Thunderwolves play again tomorrow, facing off against the visiting York Lions in the Thunderdome.

Basketball games are available via webcast courtesy of OUA.TV

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