Women’s Basketball News

Women’s Final 8

WBB: Call them the Bronze Gaels – Queen’s downs Brock to win first U SPORTS medal in program history

U SPORTS Staff

Photo: Robin Kasem

KINGSTON, Ont. (April 3, 2022) – Isabella Belvedere scored 22 points off the bench and the host Queen’s Gaels defeated the Brock Badgers 75-57 to win the bronze medal at the U SPORTS Women’s Final 8 on their home court.

Belvedere, who played 17 minutes off the bench in the win, was named the Player of the Game for Queen’s.

“I think it means we have a special program,” Belvedere said about the team’s bronze medal win. “We’ve definitely been doubted a bit in the past so I think it means proving ourselves and proving to myself that I’m able to compete with the best of the best.”

With the win, the Gaels secure their first medal in five appearances at the Women’s Final 8. Their previous best was a pair of fourth-place finishes in 2001 and 2017.

The Gaels jumped out to a 14-point lead after the first quarter before the Badgers cut it to five points at half time. Queen’s was able to regain control in the second half, outscoring Brock by four points in the third quarter and nine in the fourth on their way to the 18-point win.

Also scoring in double digits for the Gaels were Julia Chadwick, who finished with a double-double recording 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Emma Weltz, who added 10 points in the win.

“I’m really proud of what we did,” said Gaels head coach Claire Meadows. “We played our best three games of the season back-to-back-to-back. And to do it on our home court, makes it even sweeter. I’m pretty proud of the crew.”

The Gaels outshot Brock, finishing 37.3 per cent from the floor and 31.4 per cent from three-point range, compared to 30.2 per cent from the floor and 23.3 per cent from three-point range for the Badgers.

Ivana Twumasi finished with 14 points and Victoria Lawrence added 13 points for the Badgers in the loss. Mackenzie Robinson grabbed 10 rebounds for Brock.

Nike Top Performers

Queen’s Gaels: Isabella Belvedere
Brock Badgers: Ivana Twumasi