The Brock Badgers are headed to the U Sports women’s finals after their 69-55 win over the UPEI Panthers in the tournament’s first semi final game on March 7.
Powered by a relentless Samantha Keltos, who scored 23 points, the Badgers are living a dream.
“I still can’t believe we won the OUAs, to be honest,” said Keltos. “I never thought I’d be in this position.”
The Badgers didn’t take a commanding lead in the first three quarters, but always stayed one step ahead of the Panthers. Heading into the fourth quarter with the score sitting at 52-48, Brock put the game away with an explosion from Melissa Tatti.
Tatti — the OUA Player of the Year and an integral part of Brock’s playoff push — scored 13 points in the game, second to Keltos for the Badgers. She scored two threes in the fourth to power Brock’s push.
“I’m a fourth quarter girl for some reason,” said Tatti.
“Ice in her veins,” Keltos joked.
Badgers head coach Mike Rao, recently named U Sports Coach of the Year, attributed the fourth quarter breakout to finally figuring out Jenna Mae Ellsworth, the U Sports Player of the Year. Ellsworth had 19 points in the game and led the Panthers with 10 rebounds.
“We worked just as hard as any other team this year,” said Ellsworth. “I don’t like losing, but we’ve got to move on and play tomorrow.”
“We’re still playing for a medal tomorrow,” said UPEI head coach Matt Gamblin. “You gotta have a short-term memory and let it go and get ready for the next one.”
The Badgers’ winning mentality meant playing all-out, all the time. Keltos and Tatti said that regardless of the score, they play as if they were 15 points down — a situation they are familiar with after making an 19-point comeback in the quarter finals of the OUA playoffs.
“We’re literally an army,” said Tatti. “We never let down.”
For now, it’s back to the hotel for treatment, rest, food and fluids on the way before the big game.
“Try not to think about it too much,” said Keltos. “Just treat it like every other game. Obviously it’s not every other game, but just try your best to stay calm and composed.”
The Panthers will play in the bronze medal game on March 8 at 12 p.m. against the Laval Rouge et Or at TD Place. The gold medal game between Brock and Saskatchewan will take place at 5 p.m.
Featured image by Time Austen
