Halifax, NS – The StFX X-Women let a first-half lead get away from them as they fell 51-47 to the host MSVU Mystics in the championship game Monday afternoon at the Dyrick McDermott Memorial Invitational tournament.
The X-Women were leading the Mystics 29-17 at halftime, but a 20-6 third quarter advantage in favour of Mount Saint Vincent allowed the home squad to get back in the game. In a close-scoring fourth quarter, the Mystics held onto down the stretch for the close 51-47 win.
Despite the loss X-Women head coach Augy Jones commented, "I am very pleased with the way we have started the new year. We definitely gained confidence by winning two games which proves we are moving forward."
"We played the No. 2 ranked small college team in the country today in their own tournament championship game, so the four-point loss is not bad. I thought we battled throughout the game but the 33 turnovers hurt us."
Both the X-Women and Mystics were 2-0 heading into the final game.
Tournament all-star Marika Williams led the Mystics in scoring with 17 points off the bench. Player of the game Maria Caroll scored seven and had four rebounds, while Tahlia Jones also chipped in with seven points.
Leading the X-Women in scoring was tournament all-star Chelsea Provo with 11 points, along with six rebounds, three assists and four steals in the game. Jessica Miller notched seven points and three rebounds for X while Kim Taylor scored six and added six boards.
Carolyn Smith and StFX player of the game Jamie McCarron also had six rebounds apiece.
Joining the Mystics Williams and StFX's Provo on the tournament all-star team were Nyka Riego (MSVU), Carissa McTague (St. Thomas) and Kiersten Mangold (Mount Allison). Riego was also honored as the tournament most valuable player.
The X-Women will now focus their attention on resuming AUS regular season action. They will hit the home court at the StFX Oland Centre on Friday evening, January 6th at 6:00 pm when they host the Acadia Axewomen. The UPEI Panthers will then be in town on Saturday evening. Tip-off is 6pm.