Prior to Jan. 19, the women’s basketball team was undefeated in 2018, but their dream start to the year ended when they fell to the Trinity Western Spartans in a tight battle, which resulted in a series split placing the Dogs at 14-2 in the conference.

The Huskies women’s basketball team has contributed to over $1.1 million dollars in donations.

The Huskies had a six-point lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first game of the weekend, but that lead  faded away as the Spartans snuck by Saskatchewan, winning 69-68.

However, the Dogs were able to bounce back in a dominant fashion the following night, as they trounced Trinity Western 82-64. Saskatchewan was led by Sabine Dukate and Summer Masikewich — who chipped in 21 and 19 points, respectively.

This Jan. 20 triumph was a special night for the team, as the Huskies played host to Shoot for the Cure. This national initiative, which is in its 11th year, has raised over $1.1 million in donations for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Lisa Thomaidis, head coach for the women’s team, acknowledges the success the initiative has had since its inauguration in 2007, noting how meaningful the event is for everyone involved.

“Shoot for the Cure has been an amazing success for the women’s basketball teams across the country. We have every single team in Canada contributing in a variety of ways to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. This disease impacts each one of us on different levels, so we are excited to be a part of such a worthy cause,” Thomaidis said, in an email to the Sheaf.

The Huskies are sitting at 14-2 and second place in the Canada West conference, trailing behind only the Regina Cougars, who won their last 10 games and are sitting at 15-1.

Upcoming clashes against the Cougars in February will have the power to significantly alter conference standings, and success against Regina will prove to be pivotal if the Huskies wish to finish first in the Canada West conference at the end of the regular season.

Thomaidis speaks about the importance of using the recent matchup against Trinity Western as a measuring stick to see where the team stands and where they need to go, as they get ready for the stretch run.

“We are focused on the process and getting better every day,” Thomaidis said. “This weekend [was] a great opportunity to play against a strong team and see what tweaks we need to make before we prepare to play Regina.”

The Huskies will look to use their dominating victory over the Spartans as a springboard, as the team travels to Brandon on Jan. 26 to take on the Bobcats.

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Matthew Johnson

Photo: Gabbie Torres