A fast start along with France's 25 points help Queens drop Lions

Brent Forster - Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics

Red Deer, AB – An explosive start from the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens put the Ambrose University Lions on their heels. 

The Queens started strong, dropping 33 points in the first quarter. The Lions' offence started to gain traction in the latter half, but they couldn't overtake the home team. 

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens earned an 83-74 home decision.

"We really talked about coming strong out of the gates and playing Queens Basketball. I felt we did," said Ed Major, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Basketball Interim Head Coach.

The Queens held the Lions to 12 points in the opening quarter. 

"For a few games, we haven't come out with that passion and energy," added Major. "We played Queens Basketball in that first quarter and did offensively what we were supposed to, and we did defensively what we were supposed to."

Lauren France and Sophie Melin led the Queens with 12 points at the break.

Marin Barkey sparked the Lions with nine points over two quarters.

The Queens scored 36 points in the latter half. The Lions responded with 41 points, but it wasn't enough to climb fully back into the game. Both teams have now wrapped up regular season competition.

United Kingdom's Lauren France had a game high 25 points, incredibly hitting seven from beyond the arc. Stockholm's Sophie Melin had 15 points for RDP. Stauffer's Amy Szymanek recorded a double-double - 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

Geddes (13)

North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game Derian Geddes, who is graduating from the Queens Basketball program, contributed four rebounds, two points and an assist over 16 minutes. 

"Everybody scored at least a point tonight, the whole team. All eleven. Coming down the stretch, we need that every game," explained Major.

"We need team offence. We need team defence. With every girl scoring and our scorers stepping up and contributing the way they're supposed to and everyone else contributing wherever they can."

Richards (5) had four points

Lions Player of the Game Paige Richardson accumulated 12 rebounds, seven points, one assist and one steal. 

Marin Barkey led the Lions with 18 points. Nya Gach chipped in with 17. 

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens shot 39.7 per cent from the field, 41.2 per cent from three-point range, and 64.7 per cent from the free throw line.

The Ambrose University Lions responded with 34.7, 23.5, and 77.8 per cent.

On Friday, March 4, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (7-9) will play the Medicine Hat College Rattlers (8-8) in an ACAC South Division quarter-final on the road.

Graduating student-athletes

Calgary's Derian Geddes (13)

ACAC Women's Basketball Playoff Format

Friday, March 4           
       South Game 1: South #6 (Olds College) vs South #3 (SAIT)  
       South Game 2: South #5 (Red Deer Polytechnic) vs South #4 (Medicine Hat College)
       North Game 2: North #5 (The King's University) vs North #4 (U of A Augustana)
       North Game 1: North #6 (Concordia University) vs North #3 (NAIT)                 

 Saturday, March 5     
       South Game 3: Winner South Game 1 vs South #2 (Lethbridge College)
       South Game 4: Winner South Game 2 vs South #1 (St. Mary's University)

Sunday, March 6
       North Game 4: Winner North Game 2 vs North #1 (Lakeland College)
       North Game 3: Winner North Game 1 vs North #2 (Keyano College)

Final Four

Friday, March 11
        Final Four Game 1: South #2 vs North #1
        Final Four Game 2: North #2 vs South #1

Sadie Jeffries (4)