RDP Queens make a push in the third quarter but fall to the Broncos in Olds

Brent Forster – Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Olds, AB – The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens pulled within five points of the Olds College Broncos in the third quarter, but couldn't fully climb back into the game.

The home team led at the half and got hot in the fourth quarter to pick up a 78-59 decision. 

At the break, Olds College was up 36-22. The Broncos earned half of their points from long distance, hitting six from beyond the arc.

Jeffries (4)

Over two quarters, Sadie Jeffries, a first-year Bachelor of Science Nursing student, contributed six points for the Polytechnic. Haylee-Jo Heggie had 19 points for Olds College.

The Queens had their highest offensive production in the third quarter, outscoring the Broncos 20-11.

In the fourth quarter, the Broncos got into a rhythm and knocked down 31 points and earned the win. 

Richards (5)

Queens Player of the Game Amy Szymanek contributed 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks over 33 minutes. Janai Hubert, Lauren France and Keanna Richards contributed nine points each. Jeffries had six of the Polytechnic's 43 rebounds.

Sophie Melin was unavailable to play for the Queens.

Broncos Player of the Game Heggie finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and one assist. She sank six of Olds College's seven three-pointers. Amelie Furst added 13 points. Alli Taylor recorded 11 of her team's 54 rebounds.

The RDP Queens shot 31.5 per cent from the field, 16.7 per cent from beyond the three-point arc and 64.3 per cent from the free throw line. The Olds College Broncos countered with 36.1, 25.9 and 64.7 per cent respectively.

On Saturday, February 19, the fifth seed Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (6-7) will challenge the first place St. Mary's University Lightning (13-1) in Calgary at 6 pm.

Then the RDP Queens will have a pair of games remaining against the Ambrose University Lions to wrap up the regular season.

The top six teams in each division will qualify for the playoffs.

Derian Geddes (13) had two rebounds, two steals, an assist and block