Lions over Queens in Calgary

Brent Forster - RDC

Calgary, AB - The RDC Queens Basketball team saved their best for last against the Ambrose University Lions but it wasn't quite enough as they dropped a 97 - 78 decision in their season opener. 

Using the energy from the home crowd, the Lions led 44 - 32 at the half. Over two quarters, Paige Schultz had 6 points for RDC. Ambrose University's Caitlyn Hetrick recorded 10 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds.

In a close second half, Ambrose University outscored RDC 53 - 46 and completed a 97 - 78 home win. 

Queens Basketball Head Coach Ken King appreciated the effort and result in the fourth quarter but would like to see more consistency. "We won the fourth quarter 32 - 18 which shows what we are capable of, but we can't pick and choose our spots," says King. 

In the well-played final quarter, Sandra Garcia-Bernal picked up 8 points and 4 rebounds, and Katie Ballhorn recorded 6 points for RDC.

One Queens forward was recognized for her work ethic and contributions in her very first Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) game. "Amy Szymanek was our player-of-the-game, largely for her effort," says King. 

Amy Szymanek (11)

The Bachelor of Education student from Stauffer totaled 11 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes played. Catarina Dimonekene led the way for the Lions with 20 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds over 30 minutes. 

As a team, the Queens shot 42.9% from beyond the three-point arch. 

At the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, the Red Deer College Queens (0 - 1) will host the Olds College Broncos (0 - 0) on Friday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m.