Top-seeded Rams open Women’s Final 8 with big win over UPEI Panthers

Recap provided by U SPORTS

KINGSTON, Ont. (U SPORTS) – Rachel Farwell hit seven three-pointers and led all scorers with 25 points as the top seeded Rams defeated the UPEI Panthers 80-49 in the first quarter-final matchup at the U SPORTS Women's Final 8 Basketball Championship.

The Rothesay, N.B., native added five rebounds and four steals in the win for Rams, who are now 22-0 overall on the season.

Mikaela Dodig also had a big game for the Rams in the win, finishing with 13 points and five assists. The fifth-year guard was named the Player of the Game for the Rams in the win.

"Especially as a point guard and facilitator for this team, we have so many people that can score and I just love giving them the ball so they can do just that," she said after the game.

Lauren Rainford finished with 12 points to lead the Panthers in scoring in the losing effort, while Alicia Bowering added 10 points.

The Rams were solid shooting the ball all game, finishing 27-for-67 (40.3 per cent) from the floor and 15-for-30 (50 per cent) from three-point range. UPEI finished the game 12-for-48 (25 per cent) from the floor and 5-for-18 (27.8 per cent) from three-point range.

"I don't expect to be 50 per cent the entire tournament, it helps when Rachel hits seven, but I thought we shot the right ones," said Carly Clarke, the Rams head coach. "Our offence moves the ball and shares it, and we found the right ones for multiple people tonight, and obviously Rachel's performance was pretty special too."

The Rams led 21-16 after the first quarter, and 41-24 at halftime.

With the win, the Rams advance to the semifinals to be played on Saturday at 3 p.m. against the winner of the Acadia-Brock quarter-final. The Panthers will play in a consolation game on Friday at 6 p.m. against the loser of that contest.

Nike Top Performers

Rams: Mikaela Dodig

UPEI Panthers: Lauren Rainford

Photo Credit: Robin Kasem