The UFV Cascades women's basketball team split a pair of games last weekend with the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack.
The Cascades, who entered the weekend ranked third in the country, lost 72-70 in overtime Friday night after the Wolfpack had scored at the buzzer to send the game to extra time.
UFV had held a nine-point lead after the third quarter, but the Wolfpack rallied, scoring several key baskets off offensive rebounds. After TRU had tied the game at the close of regulation, the two squads played a tight overtime.
But with the game tied as time ran down again, the Wolfpack's Tracy Kocs was fouled. She sank both her free throws to give TRU the thrilling victory.
Chilliwack's Nicole Wierks led all Cascades players with 13 points. Aieisha Luyken and Courtney Bartel each added 12 points.
The following evening, the Cascades took their revenge upon TRU and handed the Wolfpack a stiff 80-57 defeat.
The Cascades came out strong, starting the game on a 10-0 run. They never looked back.
Sarah Wierks led all Cascades with 20 points. Luyken added 18 points and six assists, while Kayli Sartori chipped in with 14 points and eight rebounds.
With the win, the Cascades set a new program record with 16 wins in a single Canada West season. The Cascades finish their regular season next weekend with a pair of games against the Trinity Western University Spartans. UFV plays at home, at the Envision Athletic Centre in Abbotsford, Friday at 6 p.m. before visiting TWU the following night.
The Cascades were ranked fourth in the nation in the latest women's basketball poll, results of which were released Tuesday.
They are tied for first place in Canada West's Pacific Division with the University of British Columbia. Both teams have 16 wins. TRU and the University of Victoria are two points back, with 15 wins each. All four teams have guaranteed themselves playoff spots.
