Huskies going for back to back USports titles

Consider it a word of warning from Huskies’ women’s basketball coach, Lisa Thomaidis. Queen’s is better than a 7^th ranked team at the 2022 USports women’s basketball championships. The tournament kicks off Thursday and wraps up Sunday in Kingston, Ontario. The 2^nd ranked Huskies face the Golden Gaels, (who are ranked 7^th) at 6pm in Thursday’s final game of the day. “They’ve been in the top 10 all year,” said Thomaidis.

The Gaels, who lost to the Ryerson Rams in the OUA Final on March 19^th, are led by former U of S Huskies associate coach Claire Meadows. Meadows is in her first full season as Gaels head coach after spending three seasons as an assistant under Thomaidis in Saskatchewan. “We’ve been watching Claire’s team throughout the year,” Thomaidis said. “Their guards can score, they’re good all around. Balanced attack.”

5^th year forward Sophie De Goede is a player that the Huskies will have to be mindful of. De Goede, who also has a distinguished career in rugby, led Queens in scoring on the OUA final with 18 points. “A powerful athlete,” said Thomaidis. “She presents a problem for sure. She’s a beast on the boards. Summer (Masikewich) will have her hands full.”

Masikewich, Libby Epoch and Janaya Brown are all in their fifth year of eligibility, and will graduate from the Huskies’ program after nationals. Thomaidis will be leaning on their experience this weekend. “They know how to stay composed and bring their best at the biggest moments.” 2022 marks Saskatchewan’s eighth straight appearance at nationals, and the Huskies are the defending Bronze Baby Champions. Saskatchewan has also won five of the last seven Canada West titles.