Red Deer Polytechnic Queens gain momentum in second half, down Trojans

Red Deer, AB – An energetic start by the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens to the second half was one of the differences Saturday evening against the SAIT Trojans.

Trailing at the half, the Queens' offence kicked into another gear and defeated the Trojans 62-53, earning back-to-back wins against their south division rivals.

The SAIT Trojans jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead and rode that early momentum to a 32-26 lead at the half.

Heena Sidhu led the Polytechnic with eight points at the break. Kyla Varga powered the Trojans with seven points over two quarters.

Beginning the third quarter, the home team started with energy and went on a 15-0 run. The Queens knocked down 36 second half points. The Trojans responded with 21 and the Polytechnic picked up the decision.

Red Deer's Keanna Richards was recognized as the North Star Spots Queens Player of the Game, totaling eight points, eight rebounds and two assists over 36 minutes.

RDP's Amy Szymanek recorded a double-double, accumulating 17 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one block and a steal. Lauren France gave the Queens an outside threat, knocking down four-of-seven from long range. Heena Sidhu added 12 points.

Sophie Melin was strong defensively. The RDP Bachelor of Arts Psychology student brought down nine of her squad's 53 rebounds, along with eight points, two assists and a block.

Richina Foggo was selected as the top Trojans player, accumulating 15 of her team's 52 rebounds, three points, one assist and a steal.

Anegor Wol led the visitors with 16 points. Kyler Varga added 13 for SAIT.

Collectively, the Queens shot 31.7 per cent from the field, 65.4 per cent from the free throw line and 46.7 per cent from three point range.

The Trojans responded with 28.4, 33.3 and 15.6 per cent respectively.

On Friday, February 11, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (6-4) will entertain the SAIT Trojans (7-6) at 6 pm at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.