Lightning over Basketball Queens

In the 2016-2017 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women's Basketball season opener, the Red Deer College Queens Basketball team played host to St. Mary's University Lightning. The game remained close for the first half, but the Lightning extended their lead in the latter stages and eventually won 78-51.

It was a close 1st quarter that went back-and-forth and ended with St. Mary's leading 21-17. From the field the Queens shot 37.5%.

The game remained close in the 2nd quarter and at the half the Lightning lead 36-32. Montana Romeril led St. Mary's with 11 points, while adding 1 assist and 3 rebounds. Kiana Mintz contributed 9 points, 1 block and 3 rebounds for the Queens by half. Leading RDC in blocks was Emily White with 5. 

Queens Head Coach Ken King was pleased with the opening half.

"We played a strong first half that involved good expectation and defensive intensity," said King.

In the 3rd quarter St. Mary's University extended their lead. After the quarter the Lightning had a 64-44 lead. The RDC Queens shot 38.5% from the field in the 3rd.

The game ended 78-51 in favour of the St. Mary's Lightning. Keitlyn Williams led the RDC Queens with 10 points. Williams also added 3 rebounds. From the field the Queens shot 34.6% for the entire game, while the Lightning shot 41.3%.

King noted a drop in intensity in the second half and also areas to work on moving forward.

"We had a hard time coming out strong in the third quarter and the defence lacked the same intensity that we started with," said King. "We need to get back to work next week to concentrate on some defensive rotations and not play scared." 

Brooke Kirkpatrick was chosen as the Queens player-of-the-game and finished with 8 points and 2 rebounds.

The Queens next play at the RDC Main Gym Friday, Nov. 4 against the Olds College Broncos at 6:00 p.m.