Women’s basketball moves one step forward to national championship

When the women’s basketball team was down 30-21 at half, it seemed like their season was over. After a record-breaking season, the Gaels seemed poised to go down in the quaterfinals of the U Sports national championship in Victoria. 

Queen’s scored 39 points in the second half compared to Cape Breton’s 21, coming from behind to win 60-51.

In the first half, Queen’s couldn’t buy a basket. The Gaels shot a collective 9-33 from the field, only managing to shoot a mere 27.3 per cent from the field compared to Cape Breton’s 45.5 per cent. Abby Dixon led the way for Queen’s, only managing five points. 

In the second half, things changed for Queen’s. Led by Marianne Alarie’s 10 points in the second half, Queen’s changed the script of their game. The Gaels forced Cape Breton to turn over the ball, forcing seven compared to Queen’s four turnovers. 

Queen’s got an added boost from their veteran players Robyn Pearson, who continued her consistent play this year, scoring nine points while grabbing 10 rebounds. Floor general Emily Hazlett scored eight points while adding four assists.

Down 38-23 with 7:25 left in the third, Queen’s began their comeback. Starting with rookie guard Bridgett Mulholland’s two made freethrows and ending with an Alarie jumper, Queen’s mounted an 11-point run, closing the deficit to 38-34. 

In the fourth quarter, Queen’s gained the lead and did not relinquish it for the rest of the game, winning 60-51.

Alarie led the Gaels in scoring with 14 points. Abby Dixon also had a strong game with five assist and 10 rebounds. 

With the win, Queen’s will play Laval in the semifinals on Saturday.