WINNIPEG – The University of Winnipeg opened their regular season home opener with a tough loss to the Alberta Pandas.   With a roster of 8 players, the Wesmen need big time minutes from their starting 5.  Leading the way was Antoinette Miller and Faith Hezekiah both logging 38 minutes.

 Head coach Tanya McKay felt the effort was strong but couldn't overcome the small roster.  "We played really hard and competed hard.  We are surviving with 8 kids.  All playing with their hearts out and that's all we can ask."

 Miller showed again why she was last year's Canada West MVP.  Leading all scorers with 28 points, Miller almost pulled off the double double but was one rebound short.  Faith Hezekiah also had a strong game scoring 23 points.

 The Alberta Panda had a strong overall team effort.  Vanessa Wild led all Panda scorers with 16 points.  Three other Alberta players were in double figures for points. Brianna Carlyon (11pts), Makenna Ledgister (21pts) and Elle Hendershot (10pts)

 In the first quarter, Alberta showed why they are the 9th ranked team in the country.  Outscoring the Wesmen (20 – 15).  The Panda played tough defense against the Wesmen Miller, allowing Faith Hezekiah to have a big quarter scoring 8 points.

 The Second quarter, feature both teams showing strong defensive. At the half-time whistle, Alberta was up 32 – 26 over the Wesmen.

 The third quarter also showed Alberta skill and depth.  Again, the Pandas outscored the Wesmen in the quarter with Vanessa Wild putting up an impressive 11 points.

 The Fourth showed the Wesmen's resolve and grit.  Antoinette Miller came alive and led the Wesmen with 14 points in the quarter.  The Wesmen outscored the Pandas 22-15.  However, the strong fourth quarter couldn't overcome the Pandas lead.  The game finished 71 – 64.

 The two teams take to the court at 5 pm Saturday, Nov 4 for the rematch.