WBB: Recap from Day 1 at VIU

Match 1: NAIT Ooks 67, Champlain Cavaliers 55

The 2022 CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship opened with an upset as the ACAC wildcard NAIT Ooks used a speed game to take down the RSEQ champion Champlain Saint-Lambert Cavaliers.

Offensively, both teams started slowly, as the game saw its first basket three minutes into the first quarter. From there, the teams went toe-to-toe, and the Cavaliers–who played without their All-Canadian Sauda Ntaconayigize–took a 1-point lead into the half, buoyed by Candice Lienafa’s 11 points.

In the third quarter, the Ooks took a giant step forward, outscoring the Cavaliers 19-10 and holding the Quebec squad to 3-for-22 shooting. Hallie Watt was a force in the quarter, contributing six points and grabbing five defensive rebounds.

Champlain’s Caitlin Frost – who was in foul trouble early in the game – had a solid fourth quarter with 10 points but the Cavaliers’ comeback attempt fell short as NAIT hit on 3-of-7 three pointers down the stretch to keep momentum and the score in their favour.

Hallie Watt (20 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks) was named Player of the Game for the Ooks. Candice Lienafa (11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks) earned the Player of the Game nod for the Cavaliers.

NAIT moves on to a semifinal matchup with the ACAA champion MSVU Mystics. The Cavaliers will face the PACWEST champions, Okanagan College.

Match 2: MSVU Mystics 64, Okanagan Coyotes 61

The matchup between the MVSU Mystics and the Okanagan College Coyotes was a game of swinging momentum. This was exemplified by MVSU’s early run to open the game 10-0, and Okanagan’s subsequent turnaround to put the game in reach. Turnovers were a big part of the game’s storyline, with both teams looking to capitalize on as many chances as they could.      

The first three quarters saw the game’s tension rise, building up to the explosion of offense and defense that made up the final quarter. While MVSU was ahead for most of the game, including multiple double-digit leads, the leading team only led by one possession for most of the fourth quarter. This burst of energy from both teams led to the game being played at a blistering pace.

Despite the comeback of Okanagan College, the Mystics were able to finish the game with the three-point lead. Player of the game Tahlia Jones executed an excellent all-around game to lead the Mystics, putting up 11 points, along with 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The player of the game representing Okanagan was Natasha Alfonso, who scored 10 points and grabbed a staggering 14 rebounds.

The Mystics look to build off this game as they continue their quest for gold versus the NAIT Ooks. The Coyotes will be back in action tomorrow versus the Champlain Cavaliers.

Match 3: VIU Mariners 76, Lakeland Rustlers 71

The host team, the VIU Mariners played host to Lakeland’s Rustlers in a fast-paced game which pitted two great programs and star-studded rosters against each other. The nonstop action excited a home crowd of students, families, and locals, all in attendance to watch high level basketball.

The game saw multiple lead changes, with Lakeland cruising to an early lead, maintaining it for most of the first half. The second half saw a surge of production from VIU that showcased why they were one of the CCAA’s most talked about programs this season. The Mariners were able to take the lead due to excellent free throw shooting, three-point shots down the stretch and a clutch drawn charge.

Harriette Mackenzie took over for the Mariners, coming off the bench to be the team’s player of the game. Mackenzie posted 12 points and 11 rebounds and was a huge factor to the Mariners’ 2nd half rally. The player of the game representing the Rustlers was Bilge Topaloglu, who led both teams in scoring, posting a double double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The Mariners continue their run in front of the hometown crowd tomorrow night, hoping to energize the local supporters and pull off another win to secure a spot in the gold medal game. VIU will take on the Dawson Blues while the Rustlers begin their push for bronze versus Humber.

Match 4: Dawson Blues 81, Humber Hawks 70

The final game of the opening day of the tournament pitted Humber College’s Hawks against the Dawson Blues. The event’s opening day featured plenty of excellent basketball, and the final game was no exception to this. The match was filled with energy, as the two teams exchanged baskets and great defensive stops back and forth throughout.

Similar to the earlier games, the Hawks and Blues game was close for most of its run. The fourth quarter proved to be when the game was decided, as the Blues went on some clutch runs to put them ahead. Dawson’s squad drained multiple threes and limited the incredibly talented Hawks players’ scoring chances.

Representing the Dawson Blues as their Player of the Game was Jayla Owen. Owen was able to tally 19 points, shooting over 50% from the field. The Hawks’ Player of the Game was Kia Watt, who led both teams with 26 points, to go alongside 6 rebounds.

The Blues will be taking on the host Mariners next, as both attempt to reach the gold medal game. Bronze is still in play for the Hawks, who will look to rebound and win their next matchup against Lakeland.