The Briercrest women’s basketball team took off in a rematch against SAIT Trojans this afternoon in the Hangar. Coming off a win last night, SAIT looked to extend their winning streak and climb up in the ranking. Briercrest on the other hand was looking to take a win off SAIT and get their first win of regular season.

Early in the first quarter, both teams came out with defensive intensity. However, SAIT began their lead with two quick threes on the offensive end and good stops with their solid diamond and one full court press. Brooke Olmstead set the tone for Briercrest by pushing the ball and allowing herself to get to the line for a potential three-point play. Briercrest’s ability to adjust in their press break gave them quick scoring opportunities. Tracy Frimpong’s hustle additionally contributed to Briercrest being able to compete with an extremely talented SAIT team. At the end of the first quarter the score was 15-8 for SAIT.

In the second quarter, there was a slight stall in scoring to start things off. Great post defense predominantly led by Marissa Burns and quick passing by the entire Briercrest team allowed them to bring themselves within five. Half-way through the second, SAIT’s press proved to apply extensive heat to Briercrest and they fell behind by as much as 13 points. However, Nicole Chenard did well a couple possessions in a row by penetrating strong towards the baseline, therefore opening up scoring opportunities for her teammates. Amy Wanvig additionally did a good job at executing and drawing fouls within Briercrest’s offensive sets. The score at the end of the second was 33-18.

The beginning of the third saw SAIT’s consistent effort making Briercrest turn the ball over in multiple consecutive possessions. Chanelle Lockhart opened up the second half for SAIT with great scoring abilities. Both in transition and in the half court, Lockhart and the Trojans seemed to be dominating the Clippers. Briercrest had some good takes towards the hoop by Olmstead, Bailey Johnson, and Chenard trying to gain some momentum for their team. Olmstead additionally making some big hustle plays to maintain positive morale for the Briercrest team. The third quarter finished with a score of 62-29.

Briercrest began the final quarter with a veteran line up that applied more defensive pressure and made less full-court mistakes. Meghan Friesen and Bailey Johnson did an impeccable job at pushing the ball and getting good stops on the defensive end. Brittany Boschman put some strong post moves into play in the final minutes, scoring three possessions in a row. SAIT though remained strong, fundamentally sound and composed, finishing the game 72-41.

Players of the game were for SAIT Kendell Kuntz and for Briercrest Brooke Olmstead. Both teams fought incredibly hard this weekend; good luck to them both as they look to improve throughout this season.

Briercrest out rebounded SAIT 41-40, and acquired one more block than they did (2-1). SAIT had 20 assists to Briercrest’s 8 as well as 16 steals to Briercrest’s 11. Stat leaders among the Clippers were Brooke Olmstead with 9 points and 10 rebounds. Brittany Boschman also scored 6 points in a game showing much improvement in her development. Lauren Janzen and Bailey Johnson both pulled down 6 rebounds adding to the already mature rebounding game of Briercrest.

Briercrest travels to Lethbridge next weekend to take on the Kodiaks.

If you can’t make it to the next game be sure to watch online at acac.tv.

For up to date information on the Briercrest volleyball team, “like” the Briercrest Basketball facebook page.