ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – The Alberta Pandas opened defence of their conference title with a close 59-53 victory over the Mt. Royal Cougars in the play-in round of the Canada West women's basketball championship on Wednesday afternoon in Abbotsford, B.C.
The defending champions needed a second-half surge and had to hold off a rally from a determined Cougars squad that came into the contest at the UFV Athletic Centre as the 11th seed.
"I'm Proud of our team's effort," explained Alberta head coach Scott Edwards. "You come into the playoffs and a unique tournament setting this year, and credit to both teams – they battled and played a great basketball game."
"I'm excited we that we found a way to execute at the end and move on to another day."
First-team Canada West All-Star Jenna Harpe led the sixth-seeded Pandas with 14 points, while Claire Signatovich, who was unveiled as the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year earlier in the day contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Nora Luca and Harrriette Mackenzie, MRU's co-leading scorers during the regular season, sat atop the scoresheet as usual for the Cougars. Mackenzie poured in 20 points and a dozen rebounds while Luca had 17 points.
Signatovich made a jump shot to give Alberta a 12-3 advantage to start the game. The Pandas still led by that margin with just over two minute to go in the opening quarter after Shae McCusker's basket made it 19-10. Two late field goals from Tanis Metcalfe and a triple from Abbey Wilkinson inside the final half-minute brought the Cougars to within four points at 23-19 at the conclusion of the period.
Alberta doubled its lead at the half, going into the break ahead 35-27. Mackenzie scored for MRU to cut the difference to 30-27, but the Pandas responded by scoring the final five points of the half.
The Cougars opened the second half with an 11-2 run to take their first lead – 38-37 – of the game. Jenika Martens made an inside jump shot with 3:53 on the clock to cap off the surge, which began with a Nora three-point basket and an Isabella Faba jumper. Mackenzie then followed with a pair of baskets for MRU.
The Pandas answered decisively, putting a 14-2 stretch that bridged the third and fourth quarters to take control. Rylee Semeniuk converted a shot from three-point range to put Alberta in front 43-40 at the end of the third quarter. McCusker finished the run with a layup and an and-one foul shot to make the score 51-40 with 7:47 on the clock.
The Cougars outscored the Pandas 13-8 the rest of the way, with Mackenzie scoring five points.
Alberta's triumph sets up a huge rivalry game against the third-seeded Calgary Dinos in the quarter-final round of the Canada West women's basketball championship. The opening tip Thursday at the UFV Athletic Centre is scheduled for 1 p.m.
