Thunder Return Home to Knock Off Eagles in Exhibition Action

The Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) Thunder women's basketball team returned home for the first time since March 2020 as they welcomed The King's University Eagles in Saturday night exhibition action. A story of two halves, the Thunder took the lead in the third quarter and never looked back as they held on to beat the Eagles 64-57.

The Eagles opened the first quarter strong, and jumped to an early lead in the first quarter, coming out with a 20-14. Lead by 11 first half points by #21 Gabbie Kamuanya, the King's Eagles held on through a second quarter push from the Thunder to lead at the half 30-29. The Thunder were able to continue their push in the third quarter lead by #12 Madison Murdoch with seven points and #9 Kaelyn Bryks with six points, the Thunder outscored the Eagles 16-10 in the quarter to take a 46-39 lead. The fourth quarter was played tighter, but the Eagles were not able to overcome the deficit as the Thunder held on for the 64-57 win.

Second year Thunder guard Brooke Froment commented after the game on her team's performance: "our effort and attitude in the game was depicted in the results." Robbie Valpreda, Thunder head coach, added: "It was great to be back on home court tonight, I thought we were slow out of the gate to start the game but eventually found our stride. The second half we played with more effort and attitude, things we knew we could control to have a positive outcome." Coach Valpreda also added he liked what he saw from his returning core for the second half comeback.

The Thunder continue their exhibition schedule as they travel to The King's University for a rematch with the Eagles next Saturday.