Queens drop heart breaker to Lightning

Brent Forster - RDC

Calgary, AB - The Red Deer College Queens put forth a heart-and-soul effort Friday night, giving the second seed St. Mary's University Lightning all they could handle. With the Queens leading by a point and time ticking down, St. Mary's Juhee Anderson hit a pair of free-throws, leading her team to a 74-73 decision.

The Lightning led 43-36 at the half. The RDC Queens impressively outscored the home team 37-31 in the latter two quarters, but eventually were edged by a single point.

After Anderson pushed the Lightning ahead, the Queens had one final shot. St. Mary's played strong defence, forcing the visitors to the outside. A long range shot rattled off the rim and out. 

Queens Player-of-the-Game Sandra Garcia-Bernal recorded a double-double (13 points and 11 boards). Lightning Player-of-the-Game Juhee Anderson had 18 points and 6 rebounds. 

Britney Peters was outstanding, sinking 24 points. The RDC Bachelor of Education Elementary student added 11 rebounds, two steals, one block and an assist. Amy Szymanek had 11 points and five rebounds. Lauren Cardinal chipped in with 11 points. 

Peters (11) was 11-for-16 from the field

The Queens shot 40.3 per cent from the field. The Lightning were 40.8 per cent efficient. 

St. Mary's held a slight edge on the boards (43-41).

With the setback, the RDC Queens cannot catch the Lethbridge College Kodiaks for a playoff spot. 

On Saturday at 6:00 pm, the Queens (10-10) and Lightning (15-5) will hit the court at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in the final regular season game. 

Val Rincon (9) had four rebounds and a pair of assists