Following a thrilling season opener that saw them prevail by one point, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns found themselves unable to close the game Saturday night, falling 71-69 against the University of Victoria Vikes.

Heading into the final quarter trailing by one, 48-47, the Pronghorns would find themselves overwhelmed by an 11-2 Vikes run. However, it would be Haily Weaver and Jessica Haenniwho would lead a determined comeback effort for the 'Horns. The dynamic duo would score 14 points in a 16-0 Pronghorn run which would see Lethbridge take a 65-59 lead with 2:20 remaining,

It would be the Pronghorns' inability to respond on the defensive side of the ball that would ultimately cost them the game. A 12-4 Victoria Vikes run would see the 'Horns settle for a weekend split. 

The Pronghorns were led by Jessica Haenni's 24 points, while Haily Weaver added 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. 

The Vikes were led by a dominant performance from fifth year senior Ashlyn Day, who posted a 34 point and 14 rebound double double.  Mimi Sigue and Abigael Becker would add 12 and 10 points a piece for the visitors.
 
The first quarter saw captain Jessica Haenni lead the Pronghorns offense, scoring 10 of the home side's first 16 points. While the Vikes would look to limit Haenni, Weaver would pace the 'Horns as the secondary option, adding 8 points in the quarter. Haenni and Weaver would combine for an efficient 8 of 13 shooting from the field, while the rest of the team struggled shooting 2 for 11. The 'Horns would take a 22-15 lead into the second quarter.

A sloppy second quarter would see both teams struggle offensively for most of the quarter. A Jessica Haenni three with 3 minutes left would give the Pronghorns a nine-point lead, 29-20. However, the 'Horns would be unable to close the quarter defensively, allowing an 11-0 Victoria run in the final two minutes. Lethbridge would head into halftime trailing by two, 31-29. 

Following a first half that saw the Pronghorns earn zero free throw attempts, Lethbridge would earn eleven attempts in the third quarter. Despite shooting 5 of 19 from the field, and connecting on only 6 of 11 free throw attempts, the 'Horns would score 18 points in the quarter. 

Both teams would embark on lengthy runs in the fourth quarter, but it would be the Vikes who would emerge victorious. 

The Pronghorns will travel to Langley next weekend to face the Trinity Western University Spartans, while the Vikes will return home to face the Winnipeg Wesmen.