ALGONQUIN DROPS HEART-STOPPING NATIONAL SEMI-FINAL

SAINT-LAMBERT, Que. - The Algonquin Thunder came out swinging in the second CCAA Women's Basketball National Championship semi-final and had the St. Thomas Tommies down 20-4 after six minutes of play. An eight-point run to start the game showed that Algonquin meant business and they took a 10-point lead into the second quarter.

St. Thomas began creeping back, closing to within five, but two quick three-pointers by the Thunder increased their lead. Going into the break, Algonquin was up 46-28.

The third quarter saw momentum shift as St. Thomas began inching their way back. Outscoring Algonquin 24-10 in the quarter, including a remarkable nine-point run to end the quarter, St. Thomas drew within four (56-52) as the final period began.

With fans from both teams on their feet, the fourth quarter saw Algonquin maintain the lead until the last minutes of play when St. Thomas finally tied the game at 65 and take the lead for the first time, 67-65. The Thunder pushed back, scoring four points but the Tommies replied with four of their own. With 6.5 seconds left, Lindy MacDonald setup and took a three-pointer that found its mark, giving St. Thomas a three-point lead, their largest in the game, and the hard fought victory.

The Tommies advance to the CCAA gold medal game to face defending champions Montmorency on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Algonquin now must face Augstana in the bronze semi-final at 12 p.m.

Players of the game were Kelly Vass for St. Thomas Tommies who had a total of 14 points and 10 rebounds and Kim Cupid for Algonquin Thunder who had 14 points and five rebounds.

Source: Champlain College