The first win of the 2013-14 Canada West women’s basketball season couldn’t have been bigger for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.
The ’Pack knocked off the second-ranked team in the CIS top- 10 rankings to capture their first victory.
Thompson Rivers took down the University of Alberta Pandas 67-58 at the Tournament Capital Centre on Saturday, Nov. 2.
“I liked our defence,” said WolfPack head coach Scott Reeves. “That is a pretty good team. Holding them to 58 points is pretty outstanding. I think when they were using their size and doubling us up inside we were pretty quick. That gave us an opportunity to get a jump ball or an extra possession.”
TRU was down by two (14-12) after the opening quarter and trailed the Pandas 33-26 at the half. But the WolfPack outscored Alberta 41-25 in the final two quarters.
The ’Pack was led by Kassie Colonna (second year, forward, Invermere) who had 18 points and six rebounds.
Syd Williams (first year, guard, Langley) and Salmon Arn’s Jorri Duxbury (fourth year, guard) added 15 points apiece.
“Jorri is definitely a leader,” said Reeves. “Not only in her composure but getting the ball up the floor and getting us into offence. When she can score points, she is a stabilizing factor for us.”
Alberta’s top gunner was Saskia Van Ginhoven (fourth year, forward, Edmonton,) with 20 points. Each of the Pandas’ 12 players on their roster got at least a point.
TRU travelled to Prince George last weekend where they visited the UNBC Timberwolves. They split the weekend, with a 73-53 loss on Nov. 8 and a 76-72 win on Nov. 9.
Next home game for the WolfPack is Friday, Nov. 22 at the Tournament Capital Centre when they play host to the UBC Thunderbirds. Tip off is 6 p.m.
