LETHBRIDGE – The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns opened their Canada West regular season Friday night at the Co-op Centre for Sport and Wellness, hosting the University of Regina Cougars in the first game of a two-game weekend series.
Regina came out firing, putting up 23 points in the opening quarter to take an early 23-19 lead. The Cougars carried that momentum into the second, limiting the Pronghorns to just seven points to build a 37-26 advantage at halftime. Regina continued to hold the lead through the third quarter, taking a 54-45 advantage into the final 10 minutes.
The Pronghorns found their rhythm coming out of the break and kept chipping away at the deficit. Rae Wedman opened the fourth-quarter scoring with a steal and fast-break layup, while Megan Aleman added a pair of baskets, including a three-pointer, to help bring Lethbridge within two.
Kate De La Mare brought the game even at 54-54 with just over six minutes remaining, setting up a tight finish. The teams traded baskets from there, with Courtney McKee tying the score at 58-58 with just over five minutes to play. Regina answered with a late push, regaining the lead and holding on for a 66-59 victory.
McKee and Aleman led the Pronghorns with 12 points apiece, while De La Mare added 11 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Piper Dobbelsteyn also reached double figures with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. Lethbridge finished with 18 steals as a team.
Josie Valley led all scorers with 24 points for Regina, while Lilly Vande Graaf added 15 points and nine rebounds.
The two teams will meet again tomorrow night at the Co-op Centre for Sport and Wellness, with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m.
