Lightning over Queens despite strong outing from Ballhorn

Red Deer, AB – As the RDC Queens hosted the defending Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) champions, the St. Mary's University Lightning, they knew it would be a challenge. After the Lightning led at the half, the Queens showed persistence, winning the final two quarters but they couldn't fully close the gap. The Lightning won 71 - 58.

As the Queens trailed 26 – 17 in the second quarter, Mallory Uskiw's shot off the glass and a three-pointer from Paige Schultz pulled RDC within four (26 – 22). The Thunder started to hit more shots from the outside and created a 16 point lead at the half (42 – 26).

Over two quarters, the Queens shot very well from the free-throw line, hitting 85.7% of their attempts. First-year guard, Harneet Sidhu, led the Queens with 9 points. Concordia University's Emily Wagner had 14.

The RDC Queens had a strong second half, outscoring the Lightning 32 - 29 but the Lightning earned a 71 - 58 decision. 

The Queens were effective on the boards, stacking up 10 more rebounds than the Lightning (57 - 47) over four quarters. Katie Ballhorn totaled 9 boards. Samantha Wade and Mallory Uskiw had 6 each. 

Katie Ballhorn was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game. The first-year Bachelor of Education student picked up 14 points along with her 9 rebounds. Danya Osterling received the award for the Thunder, contributing 9 points and 10 rebounds.

Harneet Sidhu accumulated 9 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 block for the Queens in 25 minutes played. RDC's Mallory Uskiw had several successful drives in the paint, totaling 8 points and 2 assists with her 6 boards.

On Saturday, November 3, the RDC Queens will host the Briercrest College Clippers at 6:00 p.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.