LETHBRIDGE - Following a disappointing 66-54 decision in the opening game of their 2019-2020 season, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns posted a strong effort in all four quarters en route to a 74-66 victory over the University of Alberta Pandas.
 
Outplaying the Pandas through the first three quarters, the 'Horns would enter the fourth quarter seemingly in control, with a 53-43 lead.
 
 Despite their lead, the Pronghorns were weary, as they held a 48-42 lead entering the fourth quarter of last night's contest.
 
Lethbridge seemed determined to reverse yesterday's fortunes, starting the fourth quarter with a hop in their step. Jessica Haenni would begin the quarter finding Alexa Pobitzer with a backdoor pass for an easy two. Katie Keith would follow this with a steal on the ensuing inbound, drawing two foul shots. With the score at 56-43 for the Pronghorns, the Pandas once again began to mount a comeback. After a 11-4 run by the road side, an incredible hustle play by Haenni to record a steal would set up an easy basket for Kacie Bosch. Jessica Zarowny would follow Bosch with an easy layup, forcing the Pandas to call timeout as the 'Horns restored a ten point lead, 64-54, with four minutes to play.
 
The home side would maintain their pressure and pace in the final minutes of the game, recording their first win of the season, and a series split with the Pandas.
 
The Pronghorns were led by a balanced attack, with four players posting double digits. Amy Mazutinec would prove yet again to be dominant, registering a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds. Haenni would assert herself as a big player, recording 16 points, thanks to a pristine 4 of 6 shooting from three. Keith, Bosch, and Zarowny would add 13, 13, and 11 points a piece.
 
The unrelenting pressure from the 'Horns on the glass would prove to be the difference in this contest, as the Pronghorns would outrebound the Pandas 45 to 27, with a 14 rebound differential on the defensive glass.
 
The Pandas meanwhile were led by their captain Megan Tywoniuk, with 15 points. Nine other Pandas were able to register baskets, with Jenna Harpe and Brooklyn Legault supporting Tywoniuk with 16 and 13 points a piece.
 
The first quarter saw both teams trade baskets before the Pandas went on a five point run to take a 7-3 lead in the early minutes of the quarter. After posting 16 points in the season opener, Mazutinec proved she had not lost a step. After a pull up jumper cut the Pandas lead to two, Mazutinec hit a three to give the 'Horns their first lead of the game. Mazutinec would finish the quarter with another bucket, to give the home side a 15-12 lead heading into the second frame.
 
The Pronghorns and Pandas would continue to battle in the second quarter, alternating baskets for the first five minutes of the quarter. With Amy Mazutinec carrying the offensive load, fifth year senior Katie Keith would make an impact after leading the team with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds the previous night. A three pointer off the glass would give the 'Horns a 26-19 lead, forcing the Pandas to call a timeout.  After the Pandas would score a three out of the timeout, Zarowny and Savannah McKee would connect on consecutive baskets to put the 'Horns up by nine, 30-21. Following a brief run by the Pandas, the 'Horns would have an answer, capped off by a Jessica Haenni three in the final possession of the quarter to give the 'Horns a 37-29 lead at the half. The 'Horns would shoot the ball at an impressive 13 for 22 rate, while outrebounding the Pandas 20 to 11 in the half.
 
The Pandas would begin the quarter seemingly rejuvenated. Following a basket and a trip to the foul line, fifth-year senior Tywoniuk would find her range from three to bring the Pandas within two points, 38-36. As they had in the first two quarters, the Pronghorns would respond with a four point run of their own, capitalizing on mistakes from the Pandas. Both teams would begin to get sloppy, unable to capitalize on open shots from the perimeter, and drives to the basket. Tywoniuk would end the scoring slump between both teams after connecting from the corner on another big three to trim the 'Horns lead to 43-39. With Tywoniuk stepping up for the Pandas, ACAC transfer Jessica Haenni would begin to establish herself as a threat from long range. Haenni would knock down consecutive three pointers to extend the 'Horns lead to nine, 51-42.
 
A strong fourth quarter from the 'Horns would see them secure their first win of the 2019-2020 Canada West season.
 
The Pronghorns will head on the road next weekend as they travel to Manitoba to face the Brandon Bobcats at the Healthy Living Center. The Pandas will travel back to Edmonton for their home opener as they host the Winnipeg Wesmen.