Monday, February 10, 2014

Women's Basketball - Game Report

Hi Folks,

A very successful weekend on a number of fronts, not the least of which was moving into first place in our division with wins over Ottawa and Carleton. Both were very physical, grind out games. We also celebrated our annual Parent’s Night, with our parents coming down on the floor at half time to receive a small gift from our team. Following the game, we recognized Gemma Bullard as our lone graduating player (4th yr. Civil Engineering). Gemma has already made plans to return (she has two years of eligibility remaining) next year in a Master’s program.

With two league games remaining, we now know that we will finish 1st or 2nd depending on how the weekend goes. It means we will have a 1st round bye in the playoffs (Wed., Feb. 19) and will be hosting on Saturday, February 22 at 6pm.

Queen’s 51 – Ottawa 47
We started this game very poorly, unable to find the bottom of the net. Four minutes in, we were down 3-12. We did settle down and finish the quarter trailing, 9-14. We turned the table in the second quarter, outscoring Ottawa 14-8 to take a 1 point lead into the break. Ottawa regained the lead in the third outscoring us 12-14. With numerous lead changes in the fourth, we managed a 16-11 quarter to win, 51-47. Ottawa scored almost half of their points off second-chance opportunities (20) which is a concern we need to address. To counter that, however, we outscored Ottawa 20-10 on points off turnovers, thanks to our aggressive defence. Liz Boag led all scorers with 23 points, including 5 for 7 from beyond the arc. Jenny Wright finished with 17 points (all in the second half) to go along with her 5 assists.

Box score: http://english.cis-sic.ca/sports/wbkb/2013-14/boxscores/20140207_y7q2.xml

Queen’s 63 – Carleton 58
After our disappointing loss to Carleton at their place (2pts), this was an important test to see how we handle the game. We started fairly well, scoring the first 7 points of the game, but then Carleton got hot and went on a 9-1 run. Offenses began to gain traction in the second quarter, with both teams connecting on 3 three’s. However, Carleton outscored us 16-24 in the quarter, to send us into the break trailing 24-33. Our shooting percentage in the first half was rather dismal, but that was erased in the third and fourth quarters. We outscored Carleton 22-11 in the third to take a 46-44 lead into the fourth. Unable to maintain that lead, the game went back and forth throughout the quarter until the final minute. Some solid defense and clutch shooting led us to a 17-14 quarter and the 63-58 win. This means we have the point spread on Carleton, propelling us into first place in our division. Gemma Bullard led all scorers with 19 point and 6 boards, while Robyn Pearson added 14 point and 5 boards. Jenny Wright also hit double digits with 11 points and 4 boards.

Box score: http://english.cis-sic.ca/sports/wbkb/2013-14/boxscores/20140208_3w2d.xml

A belated congratulations to Robyn Pearson for being named Queen’s Athlete of the Week last week following our two wins over Algoma and Laurentian. Liz Boag has received the accolade this week for her performances in the wins over Ottawa and Carleton.

Thanks to first year players, Nicole Barnard, Sarah Saftich and Abby Dixon who travelled to Sinclair PS during their literacy awareness campaign to read to some Gr. 7/8s. They were very well received, and resulted in a number of their students and teacher attending our game on Saturday.

Up Next on the Road:
Friday, February 14 @ Toronto 6pm (note: the reception originally planned for after the game has been postponed)
Saturday, February 15 @ Ryerson 6pm

Up Next at Home:

East Semi-Final
Saturday, February 22 vs. Tbd 6pm

(Please note that as per OUA regulations, no complimentary or season pass tickets may be used for play-off games. Tickets can be purchased at the door or on-line at www.gogaelsgo.com ).

Have a great week!

Dave.