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Thunder Women’s Basketball Open Second Half with Two Road Wins

Posted on: Jan 13, 2014

The Thunder Women’s Basketball team took their first long trip of the season as they headed to Caronport, Saskatchewan to take on the Briercrest Clippers before moving on to Medicine Hat to face the MHC Rattlers. On Friday night – after a long eight hour bus ride – Coach Valpreda expected that it wasn't going to be a pretty first half. But when the Thunder took the floor it was the complete opposite. The ladies came out in the first quarter moving the ball well in the half court and with a superb transition offense. “We really did a good job rebounding, getting our outlets and getting out and running,” said Valpreda. Late in the half, he Clippers made a small comeback, cutting the Thunder lead to just 12. “We came out looking good but we knew that eventually our legs would catch up to us.” But a little adversity never hurts anyone and the Thunder kept up the pace taking the Clippers 90-53. Meagan McIntosh was the Player of the Game with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Day two of the Thunder's journey would lead them to the 'snake pit' of the Medicine Hat Rattlers. "Medicine Hat is second in the south division and has built a very good program. We knew that Saturday's game would be tough,” commented Valpreda. The game was a back and forth affair right from the start with both teams scoring at will. “We knew we had to limit second chance opportunities; this is something we have to be better at in the second semester," said Valpreda. The game was physically challenging, but the 'Lady Thunder' answered and battled with the Rattlers in every possession. Going into half the Thunder were up 27-20. Coming back into the game, the fatigue was catching up with Concordia and Medicine Hat took advantage, tieing the game after 3 quarters at 37-37. Going into the fourth quarter it was all about who wanted it more. “We told the girls that this game was going to be won by who wanted it more and (by) who could limit second chance opportunities." With the clock counting down, veterans Jenelle Monty and Railene Hooper took control. “Jenelle did an excellent job of leading out there tonight. She made the right choices and correct decisions. Railene was tough; she made big shots and had 3 blocks.” When the buzzer sounded, the Thunder had won their second game in a row by a score of 57-48. Player of the Game was Railene Hooper with 13 points, 16 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks.
Next up, the Thunder will again take to the road on Friday to take on the Red Deer College Queens before returning home to play a rare Sunday game.  Making up a game postponed from October 26th, the Thunder will host the Olds College Bronco's.  The tip off goes at 'High Noon'.
vs Lethbridge Nov 22