The Briercrest Women’s Basketball team played their first home game of the new year against Ambrose University last night with a 74-59 win. Both teams brought a lot of energy and focus to the game, and saw the pay-off. Ambrose started off strong by scoring the first basket of the game, however, Briercrest finished off the first quarter with a 20-12 lead.

The second quarter was a high fouling quarter that showed the drive both teams had during the game, and resulted in better team work and communication.  Briercrest’s assistant coach, Ryan Chase, exemplified how important talking and encouraging each other is when on the court. Ambrose’s player, Katie Nutini, brought the fire with multiple shots that boosted her team in both the second and third quarter.

Ambrose’s Mackenzie Lightburn had a big block three minutes into the third quarter, but Briercrest came back with a steal by Moriah Williams who assisted Abby Klassen with a lay-up. Briercrest welcomed their new player, Dionne Martin, to their team and were able to see her skill when she scored a jump shot, assisted by Moriah Williams, in the last second of the third quarter.

Katie Nutini for Ambrose started off the fourth quarter by making both of her free throws, followed by #23, Catarina Dimonekene, making a jump shot. Briercrest’s captain, Victoria Voth, came back with a steal and assisted Abby Klassen with a lay-up. Kourtney Kobitz made a three-point shot that furthered Briercrests lead. The game wrapped up with a win for Briercrest.

Moriah Williams, for Briercrest, won player of the game and earned her title with an impressive 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals and 1 block. Caitlyn Hetrick, for Ambrose, also won player of the game and finished with a skilled 16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. Briercrest and Ambrose University will play each other again at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13^th.

Article by Ali McMaster