Vikings sweep Thunder in season series

CAMROSE, AB - In back-to-back games, the Augustana Vikings defeat the Concordia Thunder, this time nearly doubling their visitors, 82-48, Saturday night at Augustana Gym.

With the win, the Vikings not only sweep the Thunder in their season series match-up but also tie the Keyano Huskies in the ACAC North Division standings for second place with 14 points each. Leading the division are the 10-0 Lakeland Rustlers, who are the only team in the ACAC yet to drop a game. The Vikings will meet the Rustlers for the first time this season on February 18th, after their previous scheduled meetings were postponed.

The Thunder will remain in fourth place with the NAIT Ooks hot on their tails, just two points back while also having played one less game.

Leading the Vikings on the night, was first-year forward Larissa Stephenson stepping up to the plate with 17 points, while veteran Hannah Mitchell added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Across the court, the Thunder found success from Kaelyn Bryks draining 11 points and adding four rebounds.

In a back-and-forth first half, both teams exchanged leads looking to latch onto the momentum. The home side was able to hold on a secure a 29-27 lead heading into the half thanks to a successful jump shot from Lauren Cardinal.

Looking to open up the game, the Vikings came out after half, firing on all cylinders, outscoring the Thunder 25-7 in the third frame, and creating a strong 20 point lead. The night's point leader, Stephenson secured nine of her 17 points.

Not letting up in the final frame, the Vikings cruised to an 82-48 game win.

Looking ahead, the Vikings will welcome the Keyano Huskies to Camrose on Friday night at 6:00 PM, before heading to Edmonton to take on th NAIT Ooks at 1:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Thunder will take to the court for the third time this weekend as they host the Huskies Sunday afternoon at 1:00 PM in a rescheduled match-up. Catch all the action on ACACTV.