Metro Vancouver…..The KPU Eagles women’s basketball team played neck-and-neck with the Quest University Canada Kermodes at home, Saturday November 8th in Surrey, BC but were defeated 63-59 in a hard-fought battle. The Eagles record now falls to 1-2 in the PACWEST while the Kermodes remain undefeated.
Fresh off of last night’s close loss to the Capilano University Blues by seven points, the Eagles came out strong against Quest University Canada Kermodes, determined to make an impact. A fast-paced, evenly matched first-half brought excitement to the crowd as KPU battled hard for the ball at both ends of the court, only down to the visiting Kermodes 32-28 at halftime.
At the half second-year guard Shilpa Khanna, Surrey, BC had 10 points, which included 2/8 field goals, 2/7 three-point shots, and 1/2 free throws. Fourth-year guard Christina Brown, Langley, BC and third-year guard Haeley Williams, Maple Ridge, BC each had six points. Third-year forward Amber-Lee Kavanagh, Langley, BC ended the half with four total rebounds to lead the team. The Eagles shot 50% from the line.
Leaders for the Quest Kermodes in the first half included third-year forward Miriam Baumann, Montreal, QC with 10 points and 8 rebounds, while teammate Aimee Johnston, Brandon, MB put up 10 points of her own. The Kermodes also shot 50% from the line.
The Eagles were resilient and tough in the second half, taking more care with their shots and playing strong defense. KPU would end the third quarter two points ahead of Quest, but foul trouble would place the Eagles in a tenuous position which led to a last minute surge in momentum from the Kermodes for the narrow victory of 63-59.
Khanna continued to lead KPU in scoring with 15 points at the end of the game; 5/13 field goals, 4/10 three-point shots, and 1/2 free throws. Williams had a strong game, putting up 12 points and pulling down three boards. Kavanagh led the Eagles with 11 total rebounds on the night. The Eagles improved to shooting 55% at the line for the night.
Baumann led scoring for Quest with 20 points, followed by fourth-year guard Shayna Cameron, Chilliwack, BC with 12 points. Fourth-year Kermodes forward Katrin Sandbichler had the most rebounds for her team, pulling down 11 boards. At the end of the game the Kermodes shot 46% from the line.
“Similar to yesterday, we competed for most of the game, but then at times we lost some crucial battles that led to turnovers and points against us. But this is the closest in scoring that we have been to Quest in my four years here,” noted Eagles head coach Dan Nayebzadeh, “I’m proud of the ladies this weekend, they gave strong performances. We just need to build on our momentum and believe that we can be as good as anybody in this league.”
Scoring:
KPU 15 13 16 15 = 59
QST 16 16 10 21 = 63
Team Rebounds:
KPU: 22+22=44/QST: 24+16=40
The KPU Eagles women and men’s basketball programs will host a Food Drive in their first four home games of the 2014/15 regular season in support of the Surrey Food Bank. Admission is no charge when fans bring a non-perishable food item as a donation.
Please note that no cash donations will be accepted in lieu of admission. Remaining games include:
- November 21st versus Camosun College Chargers
6:00pm women’s game, 8:00pm men’s game - November 22nd versus VIU Mariners
1:00pm women’s game, 3:00pm men’s game
For more information on the Department of Athletics & Recreation, please contact Junelle Mah, sports information and marketing, at 604-786-0804 or at junelle.mah@kpu.ca.
The KPU Eagles Department of Athletics & Recreation enters its 14th season of interuniversity competition. The Eagles are members of the PACWEST conference and play in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) with 100 student-athletes participating on eight varsity teams in men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, badminton and golf. KPU athletics plays its home games at the Eagles’ Nest (Surrey Campus), Northview Golf & Country Club, Newton Athletic Park, all located in Surrey, BC and the Ace Badminton Centre in Richmond, BC. The Eagles are active in the conference with staff members on various advisory committees and competing to host both provincial and national championships. The student-athletes are mainly from the lower mainland but KPU’s rosters have included student-athletes from North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
Follow the Eagles on Twitter @KPU Eagles, on Facebook www.facebook.com/KPUEagles, or on our website www.kpu.ca/eagles.