Laval shooting game ousts Huskies from nationals

A slow start cost the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team, losing 69-59 to Laval at the U Sports national championship tournament in Victoria, BC. 

The Rouge et Or took a six-point lead early in the first quarter and never looked back while shooting 46% from three-point range.

“We felt like we were right there,” said Lisa Thomaidis, head coach of the Huskies. “They knocked down threes on broken plays and we couldn’t and that was the difference.”

Summer Masikewich led the Huskies with 17 points, matching Laval guard Gabrielle Girard for the game high. 

The University of Saskatchewan will face Cape Breton in a consolation playoff on Friday. Saskatchewan can finish no higher than fifth at nationals.

“Any game you get is a great experience,” said Thomaidis, who has called 2016-17 a rebuilding year for the defending national champions.

Despite low expectations, the Huskies finished the season 15-5 and won Canada West one season after losing four starters from their championship team. 

“With our youth and two rookies starting (this season), the best is yet to come.”