By Mitch Ferreira

Briercrest’s second half comeback in what proved to be a very defensive half was enough to seal the women’s team’s first home win of the season, 52-50.

Playing the visiting Red Deer Queens (5-11) for the second time this weekend, the Clippers played a close first half, trailing by four to end the frame. Briercrest had difficulty dealing with the Queens press, but they were able to battle back at the end of the half, capped off by Meghan Meyer’s buzzer beating shot. Captain Brittany Larson played hard throughout the game, despite an injured ankle from the night before. Unlike the Clippers’ previous tilt with the Queens, Briercrest was able to hold the lead in the second half, after taking it in the third quarter. The second half saw both teams struggle to score, in what amounted to a defensive battle. As the game waned, Briercrest got into foul trouble, allowing the Queens to close within one. Yet the girls showed heart and resilience and fought off the visitors, holding on to a 52-50 win. Saturday’s game was an entire team effort, especially with captain Larson’s reduced role, building on mistakes made in last night’s affair.

Players of the game were Carly Hoar for the Queens (12 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist) and Meghan Meyer for the Clippers (10 points, three steals, one block and one assist).

Game notes: Briercrest held the edge in shots attempted, with 58 (making 34.5%) to 57 for the Queens (35.1%). Off those shots, 21 were from outside the arc for the Queens (28.6%), compared to 19 for the Clippers (21%). Briercrest outrebounded the visitors 35-34, as well as committing four less turnovers (40-44). Briercrest led in steals, 21-16 and assists 15-14. Team leaders for the Clippers were Meghan Meyer (10 points), Hannah Klassen (10 points), Brittany Larson (four assists), Kennedy Sawatzky (five steals), Tracy Frimpong (10 rebounds) and Claire Richardson (five steals, two blocks).