Arron Lai, Pronghorn Athletics

LETHBRIDGE, Alta - After trailing by as many as 12 points in the first quarter, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns mounted a comeback, which included outscoring the Victoria Vikes 49-42 in the second half en route to a thrilling 86-82 victory in Canada West women's basketball action. 

The Pronghorns found themselves in the hole for the majority of the first half; however, a strong third quarter would see the 'Horns begin the final frame with a two point lead. It seemed Lethbridge was gaining the upper hand but the Vikes would respond, beginning the fourth quarter with 6 unanswered points resulting in a back-and-forth final quarter. 

The 'Horns would quickly fight back, with Kacie Bosch scoring five consecutive points. First, a wide-open three would find the mesh, followed by a strong drive to the basket for the lay-in. As was characteristic all second half, both teams would not let the other take control. The Vikes would go on a five point run to regain a give point lead, before the 'Horns would answer with a run of their own. 

With the Pronghorns only down by two at 78-76 and three minutes to play, both teams would fight tooth and nail in the final minutes to gain the upper hand. After a jumper from visitor Ashlyn, Danielle Fritzke and Asnate Fomina would answer for Lethbridge to give the 'Horns a one point lead with 90 seconds to play. 

Ashlyn Day would be fouled on the ensuing possession, sinking both foul shots to regain a one-point lead of their own. A stretch of three big plays for the Pronghorns would follow. First, a strong drive by Katie Keith would give the Pronghorns the lead again. Following that play, Asnate Fomina records a steal and would draw two consecutive fouls. After going two of four on her foul shots, the 'Horns would come up with a big defensive stand. This would seal the game for the 'Horns. 

Lethbridge would be led by Kacie Bosch (22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists), Logan Moncks (18 points, 6 rebounds), Danielle Fritzke (16 points), and Katie Keith (11 points, 8 rebounds). 

The visiting Vikes would be paced by Amira Giannattasio who had a game high 31 points. Aleah Ashlee would record a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds). 

Coming into tonight's matchup, the Victoria Vikes (8-6, 16 points) found themselves just one spot above the Lethbridge Pronghorns (7-7, 14 points) in the standings. This weekend set had serious implications in the Canada West playoff picture, with just six games remaining in the schedule. Four teams have already clinched a playoff berth, with the top 12 teams in Canada West qualifying for the postseason. With tonight's win, the Horns move into a three way tie for eighth place alongside the Vikes at 8-7. 

The first quarter started slow, with both teams struggling to capitalize on early opportunities in the paint. After the Vikes opened the scoring with a three, fifth-year senior Danielle Fritzke answered with a triple of her own. The early story of the game was third-year Vikes guard Calli McMillan who was doing it all for her team early on. From rebounding, to finding an open cutter, McMillan set the tone for her team acting as a facilitator, as she finished the quarter with 3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. 

The Vikes would continue their strong play in the quarter despite McMillan going to the bench, taking advantage of bad decisions by the Pronghorns as they would consistently gain points from turnovers and bad shots. The 'Horns would also be plagued by a cold shooting in the quarter, connecting on only five of their 19 shots, as they would trail 22-14 after 10 minutes. 

The Vikes would start the second quarter continuing to control the play thanks to their hustle and effort. Outhustling the 'Horns on the glass, and to loose balls. After five straight points scored by the Vikes, the Pronghorns would begin to match the intensity of Victoria. Beating the Vikes to rebounds and loose balls, and draw a couple fouls and force back-to-back steals to cut the Vikes lead to 27-20. On the ensuing possession, Lethbridge would force a 24 second violation, which was followed by a Kacie Bosch drive to the paint for two. Both teams would battle for momentum for the remainder of the quarter, with the 'Horns going on a late 10-4 run to cut the Victoria lead to three, 40-37, heading into the break. 

The third quarter would see the Pronghorns heat up offensively. After Keith's drive to the basket, the 'Horns would begin to open up space and find success in the paint. After seeing the game tied up at 48, the Vikes would begin a run of their own thanks to strong play by fifth-year senior Amira Giannatttasio. 

The game would begin to tighten up late in the third, as a once 12 point lead by the Vikes had clearly dissipated. Kacie Bosch and Amy Mazutinec would begin to takeover for the 'Horns - leading the charge for the Pronghorns as they would take a 59-57 lead into the fourth quarter and battle down the stretch for their eighth win of the season. 

The teams will run it back tomorrow night to wrap up the weekend series. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at the First Choice Savings Center in Lethbridge.

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Photo by: MPP Photography