Huskies face Wesmen for Canada West banner.

The University of Saskatchewan women’s basketball team is on its way back to the USports championships to defend its national title. The Huskies earned the right with a 62-51 win over Lethbridge on Friday night at the Canada West Final Four at the U of S campus. The victory also means that the Huskies will pursue a third straight conference title Saturday night on their home court.

Lethbridge did show determination against the number one seed, especially in the first half. The Pronghorns led 15-12 after the first quarter, then opened up a six point lead when Millay Johnson hit a big three point shot with 2:28 left to go in the half. The Huskies did go on a late 5-0 run before the break to tie the game at 28.

In front of over 1,400 fans at the PAC, the Huskies took control of the game in the third quarter. Fifth year guard Summer Masikewich had 9 of Saskatchewan’s 21 points to help the Huskies open up a sizeable 11 point lead. Masikewich was 2 for 4 from the field, and was also went 5 for 5 from the free throw line in the third quarter.

In the fourth, the Huskies opened up a 15 point advantage when Gage Grassick was good from three point range with 4:31 left to go. Grassick finished with 13 points. Masikewich was Saskatchewan’s leading scorer with 17 on the night. Jessica Haenni led the Pronghorns in scoring with 18.