WBB - Voyageurs comeback falls short in Halifax

On Saturday afternoon, the women's basketball team went up against the Dalhousie University Tigers, in an aggressive nail biter. The Voyageurs fell just short to the tournament hosts 69-66.

The Vees put themselves on the board first, with Emilie Lafond making two free throws twenty seconds into the first quarter. The women's defence made it difficult for the Tigers to go near the net, only allowing two baskets within the first five minutes. The Voyageurs offence was exceptionally organized, with passes around the key and layups by Lafond and Lauren Robertson-Martin, as well as free throws from Rileigh Smith and Lyndelle Joseph. In the last two minutes of the quarter, the Tigers' offence lit up, giving them the lead 14-17.

The blue and gold started off the second quarter with a 3 pointer from Molly Adams, followed by another by Amber May, giving them momentum. They took the lead with more layups made by Lafond, Melanie Cloutier and another 3-point shot from guard Princess Bernardino. The Tigers made a few layups in an attempt to tie the game. Due to a physical defence by the Vees, several fouls were awarded, giving the Tigers free throw opportunities and the lead 35-32 going into the half.

The women opened up the scoring coming back from the half with a layup from Smith and a jump shot from Adams. Cloutier and Bernardino made a combination of 4 points a few minutes later. The blue and gold proved to be strong defensively this quarter, only allowing 6 points. The Tigers made several free throws once again, giving them the lead by 1 point.

In the last quarter, the Voyageurs managed to add 11 more points to the scoreboard in the first five minutes. The Tigers also managed to add 12 points to their side of the board in that same timeframe. With both teams in the bonus, there were numerous free throw chances on both sides. Laurentian called a last-minute timeout to regroup but unfortunately the Tigers won the game 69-66.

The standout performers included forward Melanie Cloutier with 16 points and 16 rebounds, Rileigh Smith with 13 points and Emilie Lafond with 10 points.

The Voyageurs wrap up their road trip tomorrow morning, as they take on UNB at 9am.

-Madison Boileau