Huskies pass a tough test in USports semi-final

The Huskie women’s basketball team is returning to the USports championship game. Saskatchewan showed character and poise in a 64-57 win over the Laval Rouge et Or in a Saturday night semi-final victory at the Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton. The top seeded Huskies were tested early, falling behind 16-2 in the first quarter. Coach Lisa Thomaidis leaned on her team’s depth and experience to get back into the game.

The U of S went on a 13-point run before the end of the first to cut Laval’s lead to 16-15, with just over a minute to play in the first quarter. Fifth year forward, Carly Ahlstrom, turned in an amazing performance in the comeback. Seconds after coming up with a defensive rebound, the Calgary product scored on a layup, drew a foul and scored on the follow up free throw to give the Saskatchewan its first lead of the game, 28-27, with 4:35 remaining in the first half.

The Huskies’ skill and depth was on display early in the second half as Saskatchewan opened up a 9- point lead on a Gage Grassick three-point shot as part of a 7-0 run. Saskatchewan had a 46-37 advantage with 4 minutes remaining in a tight third quarter. Laval battled hard, but the Huskies outscored the Rouge et Or 19-17 in the third and enjoyed a 51-47 lead entering the final 10 minutes.

Saskatchewan was dominant on the boards and scored 30 points in the paint. With 8:30 remaining in the final quarter Ahlstrom made a great baseline dish to third year forward Courtney Primeau, and the Huskies were ahead 53-48 and quickly establishing momentum. Ahlstrom led the U of S with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Grassick played all 40 minutes and finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds.