BOX SCORE LANGLEY, B.C. – For the first time in program history, the Trinity Western women's basketball team beat Calgary, knocking off the Dinos 66-58 Friday at the Langley Events Centre.
Prior to Friday's win the Spartans had gone 0-17 against the Dinos, but thanks in large part to a 20-point and seven-rebound effort from fifth-year Calgary product Holly Strom, TWU got the win it had been seeking since entering the CIS in 1999. The closest the Spartans have ever got to a win over Calgary was in 2003 when they lost in overtime.
The win also marked TWU first season-opening victory since 2001, when the Spartans beat UBC.
After trailing 11-8 following the first quarter, TWU went on a 10-1 run early in the second to give the Spartans an 18-12 lead and from there, they led the rest of the way.
With a high-pressure defensive effort, the Spartans forced Calgary into 29 turnovers while giving up just 16 themselves.
Along with Strom, the Spartans Janelle Traber added 20 points and five steals while Laurissa Weigl (Stony Plain, Alta.) had 14 points, a game-high 11 rebounds and four steals.
For Calgary, it was
Tamara Jarrett with a team-high 14 points while
Kristie Sheils added 10 points.
Jessica Thielen led the Dinos on the glass with 10 rebounds.
In a low scoring first quarter, the teams battled to an 8-8 tie before Calgary's Sheils hit a 3-pointer inside the final minute to give the Dinos a three-point lead going into the second frame.
In the second quarter, TWU found its offensive game early on as the Spartans opened an 18-12 lead. However, Calgary pushed back down the stretch and managed to get within two points, 26-24, by halftime. After 20 minutes, it was Strom leading TWU with 10 points while Calgary's Sheils and Jarrett each had five points for the Dinos.
Similar to the second quarter, it TWU controlling play early in the third quarter. Winning the turnover battle and playing an aggressive defensive game, TWU opened the quarter with a 10-2 run to establish a 36-26 lead. But, again, similar to the second quarter, the Dinos hung around and closed the gap to six points by the end of the third.
In the fourth quarter, the Spartans extended their lead to nine at 55-46, but Calgary never let the lead hit double-digits. The Dinos climbed back to within three points, at 57-54, after a
Lindsey Agnew layup, but that was as close as they would get.
Shortly thereafter the Spartans Chantelle Martin responded with a driving lay-up herself to give TWU a 62-56 lead. From there, TWU hit its free throws and cruised to the eight-point win.
Game Notes: TWU had 14 steals to Calgary's four…Calgary had a 51-38 edge in rebounds.
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