Braedan Willis, Vikes Communications

VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes will head into the playoffs on a high note after completing the two game series sweep of the MacEwan Griffins on Saturday Feb.2 at the CARSA Performance Gym in Victoria. The Vikes defeated the Griffins by a scored of 87-58 thanks in large to the play of fifth-year Amira Giannattasio. The Hamilton native recorded 44 points in her final regular season game in a Vikes uniform. 

Giannattasio's 44-point performance brings her to 1539 career points which moves her past former Vike Luanne Hebb to sit third all-time in Vikes scoring and 13^thall-time in Canada West.

"It was surreal to be able to go out with a win tonight," commented Giannattasio. "My family flew in from Hamilton for the game so I am glad I was able to perform the way I did in front of them. It was a special experience for all of us." 

The Griffins see their season end with a 6-14 record and will miss the Canada West conference playoffs. Kayla Ivicak led MacEwan in scoring on the night tallying a total of 13 points. MacKenzie Farmer recorded 12 while teammate Hannah Gibb posted 11 in the loss. 

After a tightly contested first quarter, the Vikes broke away and sustained a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game. Giannattasio dropped a total of 19 points in the first half to give her team 44-29 advantage at the break. Second-year's Hannah Gibb and Darian Mahmi who each recorded six points led the Griffins balanced offence. 

The second half was a similar story to the first. The Vikes continued to build on their lead with Giannattasio continuing to drop shots left and right but also getting some complimentary offence from teammate Aleah Ashlee who had posted 13 points heading into the final frame. 

Victoria carried a 69-47 point lead over the Griffins heading into the fourth quarter. Giannattasio recorded her 35^thpoint in the game to move up in both in the Canada West and Vikes all-time scoring lists. The Vikes closed out the game went onto defeat MacEwan by a final score of 87-58.

The Vikes will begin their Canada West playoff campaign next weekend on Friday Feb. 8 with the time, location and opponent to be determined. 

SCORING SUMMARY
                  1          2          3         4:         F         
VIC:         20        24        25       18:       87
GMU:       18        11       18       11:      58
 
SCORING LEADERS

VIC: Amira Giannattasio (44), Aleah Ashlee (15), Katie Langdon (9)

GMU: Kayla Ivicak (13), Mackenzie Farmer (12), Hannah Gibb (11)