GUELPH, THUNDER BAY – Sports – Thunderwolves Womens Basketball team remains in playoff hunt with a big win on Saturday night. The women’s basketball team managed to hold on Saturday evening for a 70-65 win over the Guelph Gryphons. Lakehead (7-10) now sits one win ahead of the Gryphons (6-11) for the final playoff spot in the OUA West, with 4 games remaining in the regular season.
Thunderwolves bounced back
“I am proud of how we bounced back from a very tough Friday game,” stated Coach Jon Kreiner. “I cannot fault our player for their character or will. Our first half defensive effort was great and Carolyn Fragale lead us on both ends of the court”.
[sws_pullquote_right] I am proud of how we bounced back from a very tough Friday game – Coach Kreiner [/sws_pullquote_right] “I am very proud of Ayse Kalkan an how she picked herself up and bounced back to score 19 & 10 with only 2 turnovers in only 21 minutes of play,” continued Coach Kreiner. “We must now get ready for CIS #1 [Windsor] and seniors night”.
The Thunderwolves were determined to avenge a 24-point loss the previous evening, jumping out to an early lead and held a 27-24 advantage at halftime.
The T-Wolves would hold onto the lead for the remainder of the game, try as the Gryphons might to close the gap. Guelph would come close in the final minute of play, with a foul on a Guelph three point shot, followed by three made free throws brought Guelph within 3 points, 68-65. On the following play, Ayse Kalkan would be fouled and hit both free throws to seal the victory.
Veteran guards Carolyn Fragale and Ayse Kalkan led the Thunderwolves with 19 points each, with Kalkan adding 10 rebounds and 3 assists to her stat line. Lindsay Inkila and Rachael Bland helped out on the glass, pulling down 9 and 8 rebounds, respectively.
Guelph’s Erica McFadden, Alexandra Beatty and Erin Tilley finished with 12 points apiece. Jasmine Douglas had a game-high 13 rebounds.
Lakehead out-rebounded Guelph 53-33, which made up for committing 21 turnovers to Guelph’s 12.
The women host the Windsor Lancers for a double header next weekend.
