Oliver Rizun, Heat sports information
Kelowna, B.C. - After a tough loss on Friday night, the Heat women's basketball struggled to find their stride against the nationally ranked University of Alberta, the Saturday rematch in Kelowna finished in the favour of the visitors by a final score of 80-59.
With the loss, the Heat fall to 0-6 on the season while the Pandas improve to 5-1 early on in the Canada West conference schedule. For all forty minutes the home team struggled to find stops as the Pandas would shoot over 50% from behind the arc for the second consecutive game.
With Alberta holding a 49 to 32 rebounding edge and generating 14 more field-goal attempts then UBCO, the Heat just never got a chance to get back into the game.
Elle Hendershot was once again the key Alberta cog. Following her career-high 23 rebound performance on Friday night Hendershot had 10 boards at half and finished with 16 on the night. Makenna Ledgister led Alberta with 20 points, while UBCO just had two players score in double figures. Jordan Korol and Emma Jonas both finished with 12.
First half:
The Heat played well to open up the game as they would lead early on 11-9 following back to back made free-throws by forward Jordan Korol.
This would be the last time the home team would have the lead, as the visiting Pandas would close out the first quarter on a 13-5 run and would lead 22-14 going into the second frame. The Heat would struggle mightily from the field in the second quarter, as they would score just seven points compared to 21 for the Pandas. In the first half, UBCO shot just 28% from the field compared to 50% for the visiting team. Elle Hendershot would have six points at the break and 10 rebounds.
Both teams would struggle with turnovers in the first 20 minutes as the Heat had 12 while the Pandas had 10 including seven in the first quarter.
Second half:
With a 15 point lead at the half Alberta and UBCO played even for the next 20 minutes, with the Heat outscoring the Pandas but never cutting the lead under 15.
Individual performances:
- The Heat offense was provided by both Emma Jonas and Jordan Korol who each had 12 points. Jonas was 50% from behind the arc while Korol was an inside presence grabbing a team-high seven rebounds to go along with her 12 points.
- Kate Johnson continued to impress in her rookie season for the team as she had eight points along with five rebounds and five assists coming off the bench.
- The visiting Pandas got a 20 point performance off the bench from Makenna Ledgister in which she made six of her seven shots from behind the arc.
- Elle Hendershot was one again outstanding for the team from Edmonton as she had another double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Rookie watch:
- Claire Feasby made an impact coming off the bench for the home team as she knocked down two second-half triples and would finish the game with six points and three rebounds.
- Brianna Falk contributed solid minutes as she player 19 minutes off the bench scoring four points.
- Sadie Beers made her first appearance for the Heat in conference play and would play a total of seven minutes.
What's next:
The Heat (0-6) will be on their bye next weekend while the Pandas (5-1) will play host to the Saskatchewan Huskies (4-0) on November 17-18.