Women’s basketball miss out on podium finish

53-43 loss in B.C ends Gaels’ historic season with fourth place finish

The women’s basketball team celebrating at the OUA Final Four.
The women’s basketball team celebrating at the OUA Final Four.

Last Sunday, the Gaels closed out their season in Victoria, B.C. against the Carleton Ravens, with a U Sports national bronze medal on the line. Looking for a chance at redemption, having lost to the Raven’s just weeks before in the OUA finals, the Gaels ended their historic 18-1 season on a bit of a sour note. 

The matchup ended 53-43 in the Raven’s favour, leaving the Gaels empty handed in fourth place.

Robyn Pearson, the Gaels’ fifth year post, was named Player of the Game on Sunday. In her last game as a Gael, Pearson said she’s proud of her team regardless of their non-medal finish. 

“Overall we were a little disappointed with how we ended up at the tournament. This was a very confident and ready Queen’s squad that just didn’t quite get there,” Pearson said. ”Finishing fourth out of 47 teams, however, is indeed something to be proud of; it is very difficult to make it to nationals, let alone finish in the top four.”

The game between the Ravens and Gaels was a tough and low-scoring contest between two equally matched teams. The Ravens started out the first quarter dominant, but the Gaels owned the second and third quarters, making it seem like they might walk away with the medal. However, the Ravens regained energy in the fourth to overpower the Gaels and walked away with the bronze.

“I think the bronze medal game could have gone either way, and this time it happened to go to Carleton, a very tough and well coached team,” Pearson said. “I think that moving forward we will use this experience as a learning tool, and figure out what next steps to take so that we can take home a medal next time.”

Pearson, who is hanging up her jersey after five seasons as a Gael, is content with how her final season played out. “Honestly, as my final year as a Gael I couldn’t have asked for a better finish, except maybe a medal at Nationals,” Pearson said. “Going 18-1, playing a Championship tournament in front of 2,000 fans and heading out West for the Nationals couldn’t have been a better final year. 

“I’ll be heartbroken to finally leave Queen’s.” 

With the success of this season, Pearson believes that the future is bright for the Gaels. “As for next year, the team needs to look at the things that brought us success this year, as well as the things that we need to improve upon,” Pearson said. Pearson emphasized that “playoff experience cannot be understated.” 

“Learning from such a unique season as this will give the players experience and knowledge that many teams only dream of having.” 

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Robyn Pearson, women's basketball

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