CALGARY, AB - The MRU Cougars relied on a ballanced scoring attack to hand the UBC Thunderbirds their first loss of the Canada West season, an 81-79 decision Friday evening during student night at Kenyon Court. With the setback UBC drops to 4-1 on the campaign while the Cougars improved to 2-3 on the young season.

The visiting T-Birds put forth a good road effort that saw four players reach double digits, beginning with Olivia Weekes who led the way with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Emily Martindale added 16 points, Sara Toneguzzi chipped in with 15 points and Mona Berlitz contributed a well rounded 13 points and 7 rebounds. 

The Cougars were strong out the gate with Tanis Metcalfe winning the tip. It became a dominant first quarter for Mount Royal with smooth passing and communication allowing Jenessa Ramsoomair to drop the first basket of the night from 10 feet out. She continued on to finish the night with nine points, seven rebounds and two steals.

MRU came from behind, initially trailing 11-5 before going on a seven point run. The quarter ended with MRU up by eight, with a score 23-15.

Mount Royal had the assert presence they've been lacking on defence tonight, able to shut down the majority of attacks from the UBC squad. 



Toneguzzi was one of the few Thunderbirds able to put up substantial numbers in the first half of tonight's game. At half Toneguzzi was at 10 points and two steals. The second half MRU actively worked to shut her down, only allowing her five more points and one steal. 

Weekes stepped up for the visitors in the second half and finished with the game high 26 points. 

Madison Hooper had a notable night with six three-pointers, one coming on a shot clock buzzer beater half way into the second quarter to increase MRUs lead to 36-27.

Both Hooper and Ramsoomair were solid on offence tonight, with Hooper covering the arch while Ramsoomair dominated everywhere within. 

Hooper finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and four steals on 60 per cent shooting from the arch. 

This performance earned her player of the game honours.

UBC just barely overtook the lead in the final few minutes of the first half, leading by one against MRU after 20 minutes of play. 

The T-Birds seemingly hit their stride in the third quarter with a more familiar showing, driving the basket and holding the lead. At one point, the Thunderbirds were up nine on Mount Royal. But in the final five minutes of play Cougars found a new fire.



MRU sunk back-to-back buckets. Kiana Ker made a stunning three from the corner before Jaime Lalor was able to hit a lay-up after grabbing a steal. Ramsoomair was a nightmare for the T Birds, with a picture perfect block that led to an eruption of cheer from the bench.

60 seconds on the clock, a huge interception by Hooper to a fake from the three point, and finally a dime pass through traffic to find Ker in the post for an easy lay-up, tying the score.
The final decision wasn't made until the final seconds counted down on the clock.

Tanis Metcalfe was fouled by Cerys Merton in the post leading her to shoot two. Neither made it and UBC was given possession, but it was quickly turned over after a poorly timed pass off the sideline. Merton hustled back on defence but fouled again, this time on Lalor. 

Lalor sunk both and brought Mount Royal into the lead. A big effort by UBC couldn't come to fruition after a three point shot from Hailey Counsell only found the rim, giving MRU possession and the victory. 

Both squads will meet again tomorrow night at Kenyon Court with a 4 p.m. PT tip-off. Catch the game on campus or live on Canada West TV.