Women’s basketball team ends losing streak with dominant win

Lakehead’s women’s basketball team beat the Western Mustangs on Friday night by a score of 97-60. The Thunderwolves win improves their record to 13-4, with a dominant win in Lakehead’s return home to the Thunderdome.

“I wasn’t happy with our defense in the first half,” Thunderwolves head coach Jon Kreiner said, “but we found our stride as the game went along.”

The Thunderwolves controlled the game from beginning to end, winning each quarter along the way, with the closest being the final frame, which Lakehead won by four points. The Thunderwolves won the first half 51-36, and the second 46-24.

“We moved the ball well at times,” Thunderwolves head coach Jon Kreiner said. “Our shooters got open looks and they knocked them down tonight.” The Thunderwolves finished with 23 team assists to Western’s 12. Western was also forced into 17 turnovers.

Lakehead finished with five players in double-digits, including a game-leading 29 from Leashja Grant. The Thunderwolves had 10 different player score, with 11 seeing time on the floor. Grant also finished with 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals. Nikki Ylagan contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and an astounding 2 blocks. Thunder Bay native Kielly McDonough scored 12 points on 4-5 shooting from outside.

“Leashja got off to a good start,” Kreiner said. “Tomorrow we will need to be ready to move the ball more side to side and to defend without fouling.”

The Thunderwolves return to the court to face the Mustangs in a rematch tomorrow night, in what will be the annual Think Pink! Shoot For the Cure game. The yearly event helps raise money for cancer research, with local funds going to the Northern Cancer Fund. To donate, click here. Additionally, t-shirts and other items will be for sale at the Thunderdome during the game.

The rematch tips off at 6pm, and will be available via webcast courtesy of OUA.tv