THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead University Thunderwolves women’s basketball team is just one win away from securing a spot at the CIS Final 8. The only catch is that they’ll need to beat the #1 team in the CIS in their home gym, the Windsor Lancers.
Game time is set for 6pm this Friday.
The ‘Wolves are confident that they’re up to the task. After all, they gave the Lancers a run for their money back on November 22 in the Thunderdome, where the Thunderwolves executed their game plan for three quarters and had the reigning CIS champs on the ropes, leading by as many as 15 before things went awry. Windsor out-scored Lakehead 24-8 in the final quarter of that game and won 80-70.
But things have changed since November. The Thunderwolves have rounded into a well-balanced team, led by OUA player of the year Jylisa Williams, with an emerging supporting cast that has answered the bell. This was evident is the ‘Wolves 82-49 demolition of McMaster in the 1/4 finals last week.
While Williams has been the constant in the ‘Wolves formula for success (averaging 28.8 points and 9 rebounds per game), her fellow fifth year seniors, Katie Ulakovic and Corina Bruni have served as the x-factors. The team’s defensive execution and ability to knock down the long ball have caused fits for their opposition. Add to that Essa Jacobsen and Katelyn Andrea in the front court, who have provided consistency rebounding the ball and defending the paint.
Jacobsen and Andrea may have the most critical job to perform on Friday, slowing down Windsor center Cheyanne Roger, who scored 19 points (on 11 shots) with 9 rebounds (5 offensive) against the ‘Wolves the last time around.
Certainly the most anticipated matchup will be between Jylisa Williams and Windsor’s Korissa Williams, the OUA’s defensive player of the year. Two fierce competitors at the height of their OUA careers, sparks are certain to fly on Friday when these two lace’em up. Korissa has the benefit of playoff experience, and has four CIS championships to her credit. Jylisa scored 26 points with 13 rebounds and 6 assists in the November game, while Korissa scored 19 points with 6 rebounds and 5 steals.
Coach Jon Kreiner states, “We’re extremely thrilled to be competing in the OUA Final Four. Windsor is a great team and they have been ranked 1st all year. Windsor at their place will be very tough but we believe in ourselves and believe that if we take care of the ball and play smart defence we can compete and give ourselves a chance to win.”
Game time is 6:00pm.
Webcast Coverage will be available via OUA TV
Both OUA finalists earn a spot at the CIS Final 8 tournament, being held at Laval University in Quebec City next weekend.
OUA Final Four Schedule
Fri, Mar 6
6:00pm Windsor vs. Lakehead
8:00pm Ryerson vs. Queen’s
Sat, Mar 7
6:00 OUA Gold Medal game
