The ‘Wolves were a step or two slow to begin the game, playing on 22 hours rest compared to Ryerson’s 72 hours since their last game. The Rams ran out to a 17-10 lead after 10 minutes and enjoyed a 44-30 lead at the break.
Jylisa Williams had a target on her back on Saturday, but did her best to battle through against a tough Ryerson team that challenged her physically from start to finish. Add to that two quick first half fouls on Williams that forced coach Kreiner to sit his star guard for a lot of the first half.
Lakehead was also without the services of Corina Bruni for the majority of the game, who sustained a foot injury in the first half and did not return to the game.
Williams would finish with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 steals in 26 minutes of play.
Lakehead’s supporting cast would do their best to step up in Williams’ and Bruni’s absence, as Katelyn Andrea scored 17 points on 50% shooting from the floor with 9 rebounds, and Essa Jacobsen had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double.
The ‘Wolves closed the gap to 8 points after three quarters but would get no closer as the Rams had an answer each time, predominantly in the form of Keneca Pingue-Giles, who scored 24 points with 9 rebounds, 7 steals and 6 assists in 34 minutes of play.
Sofia Paska came off the bench to score 20 points for the Rams as well.
Coach Kreiner commented, “Ryerson played a tough physical game tonight and unfortunately it took us a quarter to adjust and play the way we’re capable of. We came out and played well in the second half, but full credit to Ryerson for being very well prepared and making it tough on us.”
The women’s basketball team return to Thunder Bay to play their final home game of the regular season, against Western, on Saturday, Feb 14.
