Heat Advance To Finals

Monday, March 8th, 2010

UBC Okanagan Heat 75 VIU Mariners 70

Game Recap:
The VIU Mariners easily beat the #6 Kwantlen Eagles to advance to the semifinals against the UBC Okanagan Heat. The Heat Women prepared for a battle they knew would last a full 40 minutes after they had watched VIU play their quarterfinal.

After ten minutes of play, the first quarter ended in a 14-14 tie with the Heat going a perfect 6 for 6 from the free throw line. The second quarter was dominated by UBC O as they full court pressed the Mariners. Scoring an additional 31 points, they went up 45-33 heading into half time as VIU standout Kayla Gromme, a 1st team All-star and Rookie of the Year award recipient, watched from the bench due to foul trouble.

Unwilling to go away, VIU clawed their way back into the game, converting from the free throw line with a 71% success rate. As the 4th quarter began, the Heat had lost their 14 point lead, finding themselves up only 5 points at 58-53. In the final minutes VIU scrambled to gain possession of the ball, placing them in foul trouble, putting the Heat on the line. Struggling from charity stripe, the Heat missed several free throws but hit just enough to pull ahead with a 75-70 win.

Veteran players Megan McGill and Katie Woodman, who are both leaving the program at the end of the season, stepped up to lead the team to victory. Woodman hit clutch 3s in the 4th on her 20 point effort. McGill had a double double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. 2nd year guard Madison Kaneda drove the lane hard to contribute 15 points, going 12 for 16 from the free throw line. Team co-captain Jenna Kantz was outstanding in all aspects of the game with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals.