Lightning head coach Steve Shoults draws up a play during ACAC National Championship action vs. Keyano
The 2017 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship opened with our Lightning, the south division’s second seed, taking on the north division’s third seed, the Keyano Huskies. Coming off of a bye-week the Lightning looked a bit rusty to start the game, having not played a since February 21, but the Lightning women slowly found their footing and showed why head coach Steve Shoults’ team was ranked as one of the top teams in Canada. On the back of a 12-2 scoring run midway through the opening quarter, the Lightning took the lead which they would never surrender.
Jenny Leinweber’s previous playoff experience and playoff poise was a catalyst for the women, providing a much needed spark off the bench, Leinweber’s 16 points, 10 assists and two rebounds provided the Lightning the boost the team was missing. For her efforts, Leinweber was awarded as the Lightning’s player of the game.
Jenny Leinweber of the St. Mary’s Lightning drives to the basket against the Keyano Huskies during first round action at the ACAC National Championships.
The Lightning dominated the second quarter, pouring in 25 points while limiting the Huskies to only five points – all off of free-throws, while adding an impressive six three-pointers before the close of the first half.
Coach Shoults was happy with the victory and glad to get the first win under their belts but noted that were still areas that needed to be improved going forward.
“We need to come out ready to play and not have that slow start,” said Shoults. “In the games moving forward we can’t afford to just play one great quarter, we need to be able to play all four.”
The Lightning now move on to the semifinal round and have their sights set on the Medicine Hat Rattlers whose upset over the number one seed out of the North Division, the NAIT Ooks, shocked many in attendance.
Game time is 6 p.m. tonight and is the first semifinal match-up of the tournament. Catch the game live on ACAC TV!
