Lightning hold off late Queens' charge to advance to Final Four

Red Deer, AB - The St. Mary's University Lightning have advanced to the Final Four in Lethbridge.

After a strong opening half by the Lightning, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens made a charge in the latter half, but couldn't fully close the gap. The Lightning picked up a 76-70 road decision.

The Lightning's offensive players found their groove in the opening half and shot an incredible 60.7% from the field. Makayla Rose scored 12 of the Lightning's 47 first-half points. Rose connected on three-of-six from beyond the arc.

Peighton Melton led the way for the Queens with 10 points at the half. The RDP Queens sank 25 points and shot 32% from the field over two quarters.

Led by Sandra Garcia-Bernal's 20 points in the second half, the RDP Queens outscored St. Mary's 45-29, but couldn't overtake the visitors.

Over four quarters, the Lightning shot 55.6% from the field. 47.8% from three-point range and 78.9% from the free-throw line. The Queens countered with 40%, 18.2% and 76.2% respectively.

North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game Garcia-Bernal accumulated 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Andria Stitt received the recognition for the Lightning. Stitt had 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal.

St. Mary's will advance to compete in the Women's Final Four Basketball Tournament in Lethbridge.