Lightning over Queens in Calgary

Brent Forster - RDC

The RDC Basketball Queens played the St. Mary's University Lightning Friday evening in Calgary and after a close first half the Lightning pulled away in the latter half for a 73-61 win. 

In a game that had playoff implications, it was no surprise that only one point was the difference in the opening half. The Queens held a slight 29-28 lead. Sandra Garcia-Bernal played well and contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds over two quarters for RDC. Emily Wagner had 12 points, 1 assist and 1 steal for St. Mary's.

The Lightning had a strong second half and scored 45 points. The Queens responded with 32 and St. Mary's University picked up a 73-61 home win. 

Eva Bonde led the way offensively for the Queens. The third-year guard totaled 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and connected on 5-of-10 of her three-point attempts. Emily White finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists and 2 steals. Mary Krause accumulated 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. 

As a team, the Queens totaled 37 rebounds. The Lightning picked up 22. 

Emily Wagner had 24 points for the Lightning. 

Lately, the Queens have played well and defeated some of the top teams in the south but Queens Basketball Head Coach Ken King didn't see the same performance overall Friday night. "Tonight, we weren't the same version of the team that defeated Medicine Hat College and SAIT," said King. 

However, King saw some good efforts from several student-athletes. "Sandra Garcia-Bernal played well and with a high level of energy especially in the first half," said King. "Lauren Cardinal had some strong possessions in the second half and went on a little scoring run by herself." 

Lauren Cardinal contributed 4 points and 1 rebound in only 6 minutes played. 

In the final regular season game, the Queens (11-9) will host the Lightning (13-7), Saturday, February 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the RDC Main Gym. The St. Mary's University Lightning and the Medicine Hat College Rattlers share third spot in the south with 26 points. The Queens have 22 points and with only one game remaining they can't catch either team for the final playoff spot. The Red Deer College Queens have been playing stretches of outstanding basketball and have a 7-3 record in their past 10 games. During that time, only the Olds College Broncos (9-1) have a better record from the south which leaves RDC Basketball fans wondering what might have been if the promising Queens had a healthy lineup for the entire season.