THUNDER BAY – Wilfred Laurier’s women’s team came into the Thunderdome on Friday seeking revenge, and did so successfully, beating the Thunderwolves 58-51 in a very scrappy match-up in front of a packed house. Lakehead had ousted Laurier from the playoffs last February at the Thunderdome.
In a game that saw very few fouls called (28 total) and bodies flying, the tempo was difficult to establish for Jon Kreiner’s squad. Although Laurier’s shooters struggled from the floor (30.4%), LU’s offense was even duller, connecting on only 18 field goals at a rate of 27%. Laurier’s Renata Adamczyk led her team with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and got help from reserve Kimberley Yeldon who went 4-5 for 10 points in 16 minutes. Another big factor on D for Laurier was Thunder Bay native Megan Grant, who brought down 6 rebounds and played tough D in the middle, which seemed to deter most of Lakehead’s post-play.
Tasia McKenna provided most of the offense for the ‘Wolves, scoring 16 while grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists. No other players scored in double digits, although Sierra Guy was a machine on the glass with 7 offensive boards for a total of 8 rebounds, along with a lot of hustle plays (2 steals).
Jon Kreiner was not anticipating such physical play, a hurdle his team will have to overcome. “I thought the game was way to physical and we were not able to establish our post game. We are still struggling to get consistent execution against physical play. Tomorrow we must come out ready to play through contact both in the paint and in the perimeter. I was happy with Sierra’s defense and rebounding today. We must take some pride in our own building to win the little battles, take care of the basketball and do the little things well.”