Coyotes Overtime Thriller

The Okanagan Coyotes needed overtime but punched their ticket to the PACWEST semi-finals with an exciting 79-74 victory over the CBC Bearcats.

It was the veteran leadership of the Coyotes that led them on both sides of the floor.  After falling behind early, the Coyotes battled back in front of a ruckus crowd and took control heading into halftime.  The game went back and forth in the second half and ultimately needed the extra session.  Fifth year senior Elizabeth Henne outdueled the PACWEST Player of the Year Elissa Vreugdenhil and was outstanding leading the Coyotes to victory.  She dropped 20 points and snagged 22 rebounds and was named Player of the Game.  Soleil Wilding, another fifth-year veteran tallied 16 points and Ali Martineau knocked down a timely three-pointer in the late stages of the fourth quarter to give them momentum.

The Bearcats couldn’t keep their quick pace off the start and couldn’t get a basket down the stretch.  Madeline Beerwald hit a three-pointer to push the game into overtime and was named the Player of the Game finishing with 18 points.  Vreugdenhil had a game high 21 points and 13 rebounds but was outmatched by Henne.

With the win the Coyotes advance to the semifinals to face the Capilano Blues on Friday afternoon.