Huskies post successful Senior’s Night, defeating Capers 93-68

HALIFAX, N.S. - The Saint Mary's Huskies gave their graduating seniors a final home game to remember, defeating the Cape Breton Capers 93-68 at the Homburg Centre on Friday night.

All three Huskies seniors, Sophia Widmeyer (Dartmouth, NS), Aiyanna Empringham (Middle Sackville, NS) and Sarah Forgie (New Westminster, BC) brought the heat, with Empringham and Forgie knocking down 12/24 fourth-quarter points for the home side.

Forgie came off the bench to post nine points and nine rebounds – both season highs – in her final game at the Homburg Centre, and was named Subway Player of the Game.

"It was just a great team win," said graduating Huskies guard Sarah Forgie post-game. "It was the last game at home, so I had to put it all on the line. I was happy we got everyone out there, everyone was playing their best. Aiyanna [Empringham] was hitting shots. Isa [MacKay] got that and-1. It was great. It was very much a team effort."

Capers forward Hailey MacLeod (Marion Bridge, NS) scored the first basket of the game, before Huskies forward Lucina Beaumont responded with five straight points and the Huskies never looked back, leading the rest of the night.

Guard Aki Kobayashi (Halifax, NS) was crucial for Huskies controlling the ball and creating pace, taking defensive charges and shutting down the Capers' driving lanes. A perfect pass from Kobayashi set up Clara Gascoigne (Dartmouth, NS) for a turnaround pull-up, with the Huskies leading 10-4 with six minutes remaining.

The Capers cut into the lead from the foul line, hitting 11/12 first quarter free-throws, with guard Chermensa van la Parra (Rotterdam, Netherlands) leading the way scoring all seven of her first quarter points on 7/8 shooting from the stripe. But the Huskies were able to score inside and out, with guard Courtney Donaldson (Kelowna, BC) coming off the bench to hit two three's in the frame, and the Huskies led 22-17 at the end of the first quarter.

The Huskies defence picked up their intensity in the second quarter, stifling the Capers to just 11 points in the frame, led by five by Van la Parra. Forgie provided a defensive spark off the bench, drawing a charge and stealing a pass leading to an Alaina McMillan (Brantford, ON) three-point play.

The Huskies outscored the Capers 24-11 in the second quarter to take a 46-28 lead into the half, led by Widmeyer's nine points, while Clara Gascoigne (Dartmouth, NS) scored seven of her team-high 13 points in the second quarter.

Van la Parra led the Capers with 12 first half points, while AUS leading rebounder Kiyara Letlow (Toronto, ON) added eight points and 11 rebounds.

The Capers made a mini-run to start the third quarter with a three from Hannah Smith (Bedford, NS) cutting the Huskies lead to 53-40. But the Huskies responded on a quick 7-0 run, punctuated by another three by Donaldson, to restore the 20-point lead. Later in the quarter, McMillan and Widmeyer hit back-to-back three's to continue the momentum, and the Huskies took a 69-47 lead into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was the Senior's show, with Forgie and Empringham combining for 12 points off the bench, including a three-pointer each, and the Huskies walked away with a resounding 93-68 victory.

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Aiyanna Empringham hits for three on her senior night! Huskies lead 87-57. pic.twitter.com/UXER1gyo30

— SMU Huskies (@SMUHuskies) February 17, 2023

Capers guard Chermensa van la Parra dropped a career high 27 points in the loss, while forward Kiyara Letlow posted a massive 16 point, 18 rebound double-double.

The Huskies were led by a season-high 18 points from Clara Gascoigne, while McMillan, Widmeyer and Beaumont each chipped in 15 points. The Huskies bench outscored the Capers 28-5, led by 11 from Donaldson and nine from Forgie.

On Seniors night, Widmeyer, Empringham and Forgie ended with a shared 30 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. A night to be proud of.

"It's been just an amazing five years," added Forgie. "I wouldn't have chosen to go anywhere else...This team was amazing, especially this year. Everyone just connects so well, like the new girls coming in just made a really big impact, and I feel like we've just really connected this year."

HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��

Sarah Forgie gets three to go on her Senior Night! Huskies in front 79-54 early in the fourth. pic.twitter.com/nXsl6Eq7xW

— SMU Huskies (@SMUHuskies) February 17, 2023

The win improves the Huskies record to 14-5 on the season. They'll hit the road to Antigonish, N.S. on Saturday to take the St. FX X-Women (3-16) to close out the regular season, with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m.

The Capers loss drops their record to 8-11 on the campaign. They'll stay in Halifax to take on the Dalhousie Tigers (1-18) on Saturday night at 6 p.m. at the Dalplex.

Recap by Lauren Phillips / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / Saint Mary's Huskies Athletics