WINNIPEG, MB – Sports – (With files from Chris Zuk) Lakehead finished their weekend at the U of Manitoba Women’s Basketball ‘Shoot For The Cure’ Invitational with a much deserved win over Manitoba, 64-53. For the tournament, Lakehead was 1-2. After a 41-41 tie after three quarters, the Thunderwolves used timely three-pointers to extend their lead to as high as 14 points halfway through the 4th quarter, and held on for a 11 point win. Lakehead shot a strong 46% from the field while holding Manitoba to 22% in the second half.
After an ugly first quarter that both teams would like to forget, the teams settled down in the second and at the half it was 23-22 Lakehead. The first quarter produced some good defense and some rough field goal percentage (Lakehead 16%, Manitoba 11%) as both teams combined for only 15 points (8-7 Lakehead lead).
Coach Jon Kreiner commented, “Our girls fought hard today and played a smart game. We did a great job on Mubo (after scoring 34 last time out) and with Druery in foul trouble we had players step up. We did a great job on the boards in the 2nd half and found a way to improve our 4th quarter woes from last game.”
Alyse Kalkan stuffed the stat sheet with an 18-and-10 double-double, with 4 assists and 4 steals to boot. Following her was Carolyn Fragale who added 17 points and 6 boards and Kelsey Bardsley added 12 points for the winning side . Manitoba was paced by Allison Balasko with 17 points and 3 boards and Melanie Edel was top Bison rebounder with 10 boards and 8 points.
Lakehead’s Carolyn Fragale was named tournament all-star.