Helton and Lightning pick up road win over RDP Queens

Red Deer, AB – Facing the sixth ranked team in Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women's Basketball, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens knew it would be a tough test.

The St. Mary's University Lightning held the advantage in three-of-four quarters and earned a 79-55 win over the RDP Queens at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. 

The first place Lightning broke out to a 42-23 lead by the half.

Maitlynn Wilde led the Lightning with 10 points. RDP's Lauren France got hot from the outside, hitting three-of-five from long range and totaling 11 points.

Over two quarters, the visitors shot 35.4 per cent from the field. The home side knocked down 28.1 per cent of its field goal attempts.

The Queens' defence held the Lightning to eight points in the third quarter, but then the visitor's got back on track offensively in the fourth, draining 26.

St. Mary's University picked up the decision.

United Kingdom's Lauren France was recognized as the North Star Sports Queens Player of the Game, accumulating 14 points, four rebounds, one block and an assist. Hannah Helton picked up the honour for the Lightning, totaling 17 points, six rebounds and two assists.

Amy Szymanek provided a spark for RDP, once again. She had 19 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, one assist and a steal over 33 minutes. Keanna Richards had 10 of the Queens' 53 rebounds.

Maitlynn Wilde added 14 points for the Lightning. Macyn Morning Bull chipped in with 11 for St. Mary's.

Over four quarters, the Queens hit 33.3 per cent of their shots from the field. The Lightning sank 31.5 per cent of their field goal attempts.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (6-6) will tip-off against the Broncos (4-9) in Olds on Friday, February 18 at 6 pm.

Then three regular season games remain.