Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

CALGARY – Behind a huge game from their four veterans, the MacEwan Griffins women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with the Calgary Dinos … for a while.

Unfortunately, they just ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, suffering a 73-57 defeat after being outscored by 12 points over the final four minutes.

"It was competitive, and we were in it for about the first 35 minutes and we just ran out of steam at the end," said head coach Katherine Adams. "Just a couple miscommunications led to open players and, as good teams do, they capitalized on those opportunities we gave them and broke the game open there at the end."

Mackenzie Farmer led the way for MacEwan with 19 points, Noelle Kilbreath had 18, Shannon Majeau notched 11 and Hayley Lalor bucketed seven points to go with seven rebounds. 

The big four accounted for 55 of MacEwan's 57 points.

"They really capitalized on the opportunities that were given," said Adams. "They know what this team needs from them, and they know the leadership that the young players need. 

"In order for us to be competitive night in and night out, they need to perform. They're really giving everything they have at both ends of the floor to make that happen."

Among only 10 healthy players available to them because of some injuries, six of them are in their first or second years, so there is a learning curve the Griffins need to pass before hitting their stride.

"It's still a work in progress and I would say we are still learning to play together and find the moments when we can capitalize on opportunities for different players to step in and make contributions in various ways," said Adams.

With the result, the Griffins fall to 1-4 on the Canada West campaign, while Calgary is now 4-1.

MacEwan meets Calgary again on Saturday (4 p.m., Canada West TV).