The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team is on their way back to the U Sports nationals for a third straight year.
They edged the Alberta Pandas 72-62 in the Canada West semifinal Friday night at the PAC.
Saskatchewan shot 44.2 per cent in the game including 8-of-15 attempts from three.
Sabine Dukate led all scorers in the game with 25 points while playing all 40 minutes. Dukate added three steals and a pair of rebounds.
Megan Ahlstrom and Summer Masikewich each hit double digits for Saskatchewan with 13 and 10 points respectively.
“It’s been one pleasant surprise after the next,” said Huskies head coach Lisa Thomadis, in reference to their success this year, despite a rookie heavy roster.
“I should’ve known better than to underestimate them because they’ve continued to prove me wrong and do great things,” she said.
The Huskies defend their Canada West title Saturday against provincial rival the Regina Cougars in a rematch of last year’s final at 7 p.m. at the PAC.
“We have a lot of work to do to get ready for tonight,” Thomadis said. “We’re so evenly matched, it comes down to who wants it more, so will see.”
The Cougars beat Winnipeg 81-70 in the other semi-final to advance to nationals.
With files from 650 CKOM’s Wray Morrison