The women’s basketball season ended for the host Victoria Vikes in their 2017 U Sports Women’s Final 8 national championship consolation semifinal on Friday, falling 78-64 to the Regina Cougars.
The loss came one night after the Vikes’ unforgettable opening round match, in which the bottom seed host nearly pulled off an upset of the No. 1 seed Carleton Ravens. The Ravens defeated the Vikes 77-66 though the Vikes had led 37-30 at the half.
Fifth-year guard Jenna Krug made a statement for the Vikes on Thursday, finishing with a team-high 18 points against Carleton to go with four assists and five rebounds.
“It was really special for [graduating seniors] Jenna Krug, Jenna Bugiardini and Nicole Karstein considering everything they have put into this program,” said Vikes head coach Dani Sinclair. “For them to have an opportunity to go out like this, this weekend.”
Friday’s loss to the Cougars turned out to be the final game of the U Sports career the threesome. Bugiardini led the Vikes in scoring Friday with 25 points and six rebounds.
“[Bugiardini’s spot] will be a hole to fill for sure,” Sinclair said. “She is efficient – sometimes you don’t notice it when you are watching her play but then you look at the stat sheet and she is always producing. It was so special for her and the other two to have an opportunity to play in a national tournament.”
The McGill Martlets won the gold medal game over Laval Rouge et Or, 66-55, Sunday afternoon at CARSA, while Carleton went on to win bronze with a 53-43 win over the Queen’s Gaels.
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