WBB Weekend Recap | January 11 & 12, 2019
The Lakeland Rustlers Women's Basketball team took on the Concordia Thunder over the weekend, in the first games of the second semester and 2019 for the Rustlers.
Friday night in Edmonton, the Rustlers came out strong on both ends of the court, taking a 17-11 lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter, it would be the Rustlers who would struggle, turning the ball over and being unable to finish under the basket. It looked like the teams would head into the half tied at 28, but a deep three-point heave by the Thunder at the buzzer would give them a 31-28 lead at halftime.
The Rustlers struggles continued in the third quarter, with the Thunder leading by as many as 12. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Rustlers trailed 52-43. The Rustlers made a push in the fourth quarter, applying full-court pressure, taking the Thunder out of their rhythm. Despite fighting to get back into the game, the Rustlers were not able to complete the comeback, losing to the Thunder 67-54.
Third-year guard Ally Pilgrim led the Rustlers with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while 4th-year forward Brianne Hergott added nine points, seven rebounds, and a steal. Player of the Game for the Rustlers was second-year guard Kaitlyn Tonita with five points, four rebounds, and two assists.
The Rustlers looked to respond Saturday night and get their first win of 2019. The Rustlers came out strong and dominated the game from the opening tip. In the first quarter, the Rustlers held the Thunder to just one point, taking an 11-1 lead after ten minutes. The Thunder were frustrated in the second quarter as the physicality increased. The Rustlers continued to dominate the game, forcing the Thunder into bad shots and turnovers, while converting on the offensive end. At the half, the Rustlers led 36-9. The Rustlers forced the Thunder to their breaking point in the third, with the Thunder receiving multiple technical fouls and an unsportsmanlike foul in the quarter. After three quarters, the Rustlers increased their lead 59-25. The Rustlers never let the Thunder have a chance, taking the game 72-42.
The Rustlers were led by Hergott with 13 points and six rebounds, while third-year guard Angela Baran had 12 points, an assist and a steal for the Rustlers off the bench. Third-year guard Meg Ferraz was named Player of the Game for the Rustlers, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals and an assist.
The Rustlers return to the court next weekend as they host the Keyano Huskies (7-5). Action gets underway at 6:00 pm Friday and 1:00 pm Saturday.