CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women's basketball won their first game of the season Nov. 8 when they defeated the Winnipeg Wesmen 64-59 in their home opener. 

Forward Lawrie Saunders led the way for Calgary with 13 points and eight rebounds. Point guard Kristie Shiels also hit double digits with 10 points and six assists. Jessica Thielen continued to dominate down low as she grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds for the Dinos.

For the Wesmen, Megan Noonan scored a game-high 20 points. Stephanie Kleysen added 16 more along with nine rebounds. Alyssa Grant rounded out the scoring with 10 points. 

The Dinos got off to a rough start in the first quarter as they were struggling to sink shots. With Winnipeg's hot start, Calgary found themselves down 18-11 after the first while they were still trying to find their shape. 

In the second, Calgary picked it up, getting within two points after the break thanks to a three-pointer from Ashley Hirons. Both teams continued to battle it out and the Dinos finally tied it up at 22 with a number of Dinos contributing. The half ended with the Dinos down by just two at 29-27. Kleysen already had 12 points for the Wesmen. 

The third quarter was when the Dinos really began to pull away. Calgary would score 24 points and stalled the Wesmen offence to just 14 of their own. Their largest lead of the game was nine points at that point, and they would hold onto it going into the final frame. 

In the last quarter, Calgary's lead began to slip away as Winnipeg continued to push on offence. They were able to hold on thanks to some great defence in the final minutes of the quarter. A couple of Shiels free throws solidified the game for the Dinos in their first win of the season.

Both teams will go at it again tomorrow at the Jack. Tip-off is once again set for 6 p.m.