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This past weekend, the Thunder Women's Basketball team had the unenviable task of taking on the first place Lakeland College Rustlers. At home on Friday night, the Thunder found themselves in a big hole right off the bat, going down 27-8 after the first quarter. “I had to remind them that we are playing a tough team but that I was disappointed nonetheless that we gave up 27 pts in one quarter,” stated Coach Robbie Valpreda.  The Coach's words sparked a resurgence in the Thunder as they came out with a vengeance in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Rustlers 21-6 and went into halftime down just 4. “I was very proud of my team for that effort. It was a big hole to get out of but the girls never gave up and we were right back in the game.“ The Thunder continued their great play in the third stanza with solid efforts from the entire team roster. The Thunder rebounded very well and cashed in consistently at the free throw line.  As the game came down to the last few minutes, Lakeland's greater size and experience would take over, resulting in a 68-62 win for the Rustlers. “I’m very proud of this team tonight," beamed Valpreda. "Any other team down 27-8 after one quarter might have quit; our girls did not. They battled against one of the top teams in our conference and I told the girls as frustrating as (the result) might be, to keep their heads up because they did extremely well." The Thunder were led by Lindsay Piper who had 18 pts and was named Player of the Game.
On Saturday night, the Thunder travelled to Rustler Country for game two of the series. “Coming into tonight’s match we had to pick up were we left off from last night”.  Right off the tip, the Thunder jumped out ahead led by Nakita Newman, who scored the first 7 pts of the game. “Nakita was great. She’s our leader and she came out and set the tone. The Thunder took a 20-15 lead at one point, played tough defense and forced the frustrated Rustlers into foul trouble. Concordia took advantage and went into halftime 32-29.  In the second frame, the Rustlers came out fighting, quickly tying the game and then surging ahead 44-39. ”The Rustlers gained some momentum with their physical play and bullied their way back into the game," commented Valpreda. “We didn’t do a good job on rebounding, giving them multiple opportunities to score." In the end, the Thunder would fall 63-49. “This was (another) tough game for us. The last four games we played have all been so close. This was our biggest margin of defeat, but we as coaches also see the improvement."  Congratulations to Geri Anstice who received the Player of the Game nod with 13 pts and 5 rebounds.
The Thunder's next action will see them take on the Augustans Vikings with the home game going Friday night at 6 PM.