HAMILTON, THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Thunderwolves womens basketball season is over. What began as a great game for the Thunderwolves collapsed in the second half, as the McMaster Marauders came back to win 87-71 on Saturday evening. Despite a season-high 29 points in the second quarter, Lakehead could not spread the offensive output over 40 minutes. 

Thunderwolves started strong

Lakehead shot the ball very well from beyond the arc in the first half, and established an 11 point lead late in the 3rd quarter. The Marauders would not settle on home court, responding with two Vanesa Bonomo threes in the final minutes of the 3rd quarter to cut the Lakehead lead to 50-45 at the half. 

Things would fall apart for the ‘Wolves in the second frame, as a stifling McMaster defense limited them to 21 second-half points (7 in the final Q). 

Carolyn Fragale finished her Thunderwolf career with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (4-8 from three). Ayse Kalkan had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Jessica deHaan did the same with 10 points and 10 rebounds (7 offensive). Kelsey Bardsley hit 4 three’s for 12 total points and 4 assists. 

For McMaster, Hailey Milligan led once again with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Danielle Boiago dropped 19 points while Vaneesa Bonomo impressed with 20 points (5-9 from three) and 12 assists. 

Coach Jon Kreiner stated, “Our season finished with a valiant effort against a very good McMaster team”.

“We decided to go at McMaster with everything we had and defend Milligan with our speed and by making her work more than she did yesterday,” continued Coach Kreiner. “Putting up 50 in a half against a tough defensive team like McMaster was great but ultimately they made adjustments at half to slow us down and take tougher shots. Jessica stood up to Milligan to register a double double while Ayse worked as hard as she could gathering a double-double herself. Carolyn had a tremendous final game and I am extremely disappointed we were not able to give her a taste of OUA playoffs”.

“It was a tough way to go out but I am very proud of this group.”

With the loss, the women’s basketball team’s season comes to an abrupt end. This marks the second season in a row that they have been denied a playoff spot in the final game of the regular season.

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