WBB: Signatovich leads stalwart Pandas defence in QF win over UFV

EDMONTON - Claire Signatovich had near a quadruple-double, a 13/16/8 line and adding nine blocks, as the Alberta Pandas won the Canada West Quarterfinal 73-54 against the University of Fraser Valley Cascades Saturday afternoon at the Saville Centre.

The victory is the first in the postseason for the Pandas since February 2020, and sees them move on to the Semifinals. UFV ends their season at 15-7 cumulatively, having won a play-in matchup yesterday against the UNBC Timberwolves.

Signatovich was joined in the winning effort by Morgan Harris who had 11 points and seven rebounds. UFV was led by Julia Tuchscherer who had a game-high 24 points in the loss.

"Composure," said Pandas head coach Scott Edwards when asked about the biggest factor in the win. "We played our most complete game of basketball all year, and it was the depth of our team that really showed up." Alberta had 10 different Pandas record a point in the contest.

The game got off to a roaring start featuring makes on the first two attempts from both squads. Morgan Harris helped get the Pandas an early advantage, popping a three and hitting two free-throws early en-route to a slim 13-10 midway lead. As the teams settled in, the defensive intensity ratcheted up. Alberta shot 39% from the field while UFV was not much more efficient at 41%, and the teams combined to hit just one three. The Pandas Emma Kary and UFV's Deanna Tuchscherer led all scorers with six points apiece as Alberta headed into the second with a slim 19-17 lead.

The defensive grudge fest would continue for the majority of the second until an 11-1 run from the Pandas would jump start the hosts into a 41-28 halftime lead. Pandas rookie Kiah Easton-Ihediohanma would play a key role in the run, scoring four points and playing tremendous transition offence. The Pandas shot better in the frame, hitting on 9-of-20 field goal attempts and holding the Cascades to just a 4-for-21 mark.

"Alberta was fantastic tonight on both ends of the floor," said Cascades head coach Al Tuchscherer after the game, and added: "I really did not think we moved the ball very well today, we got better after the half but it was a little too late at that point."

J. Tuchscherer would lead all scorers at the break with nine points for UFV.

Alberta came out of the break with a renewed vigor, going on a 10-4 run to start the quarter sprung on by Claire Signatovich who orchestrated a phenomenal half-court and transition offence for the hosts. She scored two points on the run and contributed three assists as a playmaker in the low-post. Tuchscherer would hold the Cascades in the game, scoring a frame-high eight points, but the Pandas offence was clicking on all cylinders. They shot 62% from the field in the quarter, and entered the fourth with a 65-41 lead.

Fraser Valley would play some ferocious defence in the fourth quarter, holding the hosts to a 25% field goal percentage, but their offence was unable to heat up enough for the comeback. They outscored the Pandas 13-8 in the frame, but the Quarterfinal would end 73-54.

The Pandas will await the results of the other Canada West playoff games for an idea on where they will travel to next week for the Semifinals.