WBB Weekend Recap | January 18 & 19, 2019

The Lakeland Rustlers women's basketball team faced the Keyano Huskies over the weekend, in what was two important games for the Rustlers.

The Huskies came out with full-court pressure to start the game Friday night, giving them the early lead. Lakeland was able to get to the foul line early on, allowing them to set pressure of their own and settle into the game. At the end of the first quarter, the Rustlers led 12-11. In the second quarter, both teams continued to apply pressure. However, the Rustlers appeared to be more composed and in control. Heading into the second half, the Rustlers led 32-26. The second half was a battle, with both teams being called on lots of fouls. The Rustlers were able to knock down their shots and keep key players out of foul trouble, on the way to winning the game 65-54.

The Rustlers were led by second-year guard Jaden Cook with 11 points, 2 steals and 1 rebound, earning her player of the game. Bilge Topaloglu, a second-year forward for the Rustlers, added 11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.

The rematch Saturday afternoon was physical from the opening tip, with very few fouls being called. Lakeland struggled to score in the first quarter, while Keyano was able to jump out to a quick lead. A late three by the Rustlers cut the Huskies lead to 4, but Lakeland still trailed 13-9 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Rustlers began to find ways to score, allowing them to take the lead heading into the half. The physical play continued in the second half, causing the teams to adapt. 

The Rustlers were able to maintain their lead throughout the third quarter, though the Huskies cut it to 5 heading into the fourth.  The Rustlers scoring struggles from the first quarter returned in the fourth, as Lakeland would only score 6 points in the final ten minutes.  Despite struggling to score all quarter, the Rustlers still had chances to win the game in the final moments but were not able to get the shots to fall.  The Huskies would complete the comeback and defeat the Rustlers 46-42.

The Rustlers were led by fourth-year forward Brianne Hergott with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block, while third-year guard Ally Pilgrim added 5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 assist. Player of the game for the Rustlers was second-year guard Kaitlyn Tonita, who finished with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist.

Next weekend, the Rustlers travel to Grande Prairie to take on the Wolves (1-15). The Rustlers return home on February 2 when they take on The Kings University Eagles.