WBB | Kodiaks suffer loss in Nail Biter
January 27, 2018 – Energy was high in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium as the Lethbridge College Kodiaks face off against the Medicine Hat Rattlers.
The Kodiaks were looking to redeem themselves after a close game that ultimately resulted in a Kodiaks loss in Medicine Hat yesterday. Their competitors also had their game faces on as the first quarter began with a competitive back and forth between both teams.
The teams were evenly matched five minutes into the first quarter at 6-6; a pattern that continued throughout the majority of the game.
The Kodiaks did manage to pull ahead by the end of the quarter 19-17.
The second quarter began with whistles, free throws and baskets as the back and forth between the teams continued with persistence. The Rattlers began to slowly close the small gap in points between the competing teams.
The Rattlers soon took the lead and the Kodiaks struggled to make a return before halftime. Kodiaks Forward, Amy Arbon, had a nice lay up with a minute left in the quarter, but it wasn't enough to even out the scores.
The teams tied a total of 4 times during the first two quarters, with the leads changing 8 times.
The half ended 32 – 38, with the Rattlers taking the lead into the second part of the game.
The Kodiaks came back from half time with a renewed energy as they scored point after point in the first part of the 3rd.
Both teams returned to the court with an aggressive plan of attack, and the Kodiaks began to pull through at 45 – 45 at half of the quarter.
Kodiaks Jaclyn Heggie proved to be a champion throughout the 3rd, helping the Kodiaks take the lead 57 – 54.
The final quarter in the women's basketball game was filled with speed.
The Rattlers were looking to make up for the ground they lost in the previous quarter, and the Kodiaks were hoping to keep their lead.
The Rattlers pushed past the Kodiaks' defences, tying then overtaking their opposition within the first two minutes of the quarter.
Not for lack of effort on the side of the bears, who quickly tried to regain the lead.
Both teams appeared to be extremely in sync, adding an extra element of challenge to the game. With less than a minute left, the Medicine Hat Rattlers were up by one point.
It was another close game for the Kodiaks, but they lost 72 - 75. The Rattlers Women continue their 3 game winning streak.
Rattler's coach, Clayton Neilson says competing with the Kodiaks is good training for the upcoming championships.
"It was hard, they're a tough team," he said, "We've only lost two rebounding battles so far this season and this game was one of them."
Rebounds were 40 – 29 for the Kodiaks with player of the game, Amy Arbon single-handedly catching 20 of them herself.
The next tip off for the Kodiaks' women will be this Thursday against the SAIT Trojans.
Players of the Game:
Rattlers – #Morgan Muir
Kodiaks – #23 Amy Arbon