X-Women edged by Huskies

(ANTIGONISH, N.S.) - The StFX X-Women (1-3) dropped a 71-64 decision to the CIS No. 1-ranked Saint Mary's Huskies (4-0) Saturday afternoon at Oland Centre in Antigonish.

Fifth-year guard Lia St. Pierre led the X-Women with 19 points. She completed a triple-double with 12 rebounds and 10 assists, while collecting one blocked shot and one steal.

"Lia's triple-double this afternoon was historic," said Coach Jones. "These types of statistical totals do not happen very often in women's or men's basketball. She is having a fantastic year thus far."

Lindsay Lessard and Vanessa Pickard also scored in double figures for the X-Women with 12 and 11 points, respectively. Lessard added eight rebounds.

Post player Kolbi Roper chipped in seven points and 11 rebounds.

Reigning AUS MVP and all-Canadian Justine Colley led the Huskies with 26 points. She added seven rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Rachelle Coward contributed 16 points and eight rebounds for the winners. Emily Jameson also hit double figures with 13.

Both teams held the score close for the majority of the game. The Huskies were ahead 15-14 after the first quarter and at halftime there was a 34-34 deadlock.

Saint Mary's regained a slight edge leading 53-51 after 30 minutes of play, and for the second time this week it was the fourth quarter that was the difference in the game.

Wednesday night in Halifax the Huskies took an 81-69 game from StFX after a strong fourth quarter. In Antigonish, the Huskies outscored the X-Women 18-13 in the final frame en route to the win.

Saint Mary's (4-0) remain unbeaten on the season while the X-Women drop to 1-3.

Despite the loss, X-Women head coach Augy Jones commented, "I am pleased with the progress we are making. We are competing closely with the number one team in the CIS.  We are getting better every day."

StFX returns to action Saturday, Nov. 23, when they travel to St. John's to face the Memorial Sea-Hawks (0-3) for a pair of weekend games.

The next X-Women home game is Saturday, Nov. 30, when the UPEI Panthers visit Oland Centre. Game time is 6 p.m.

Source: StFX Sports Information