Ryan Watter - PACWEST Communications & Media Coordinator
The Douglas Royals are PACWEST champs in 2024 after a dominating 85-71 victory over the Okanagan Coyotes on Saturday night.
The Royals played tough defence throughout the game not giving up much to the Coyotes. Their play under the hoop was outstanding led by rookie Mackenzie Dalphond who finished with three blocks and 14 rebounds. What doesn't show up on the stat sheet is her ability to alter shots with her long reach which frustrated the Coyotes shooters.
Offensively they shot 48% again led by Dalphond who finished with 14 points on 7-10 shooting and guard Anja Tjernagel added 13. Laini Glover had her best game of the tournament as well with 12 points and 12 rebounds and Elena Skalik came off the bench and tallied 12 points.
It's the first gold for the Royals since 2017 and will be the PACWEST Conference champion seed heading to the national championship in two weeks in Alberta. Anja Tjernagel was named the Player of the Game.
The Coyotes found it tough to get inside with Elizabeth Henne who ran into foul trouble early on and had to sit for the majority of the second quarter. They finished shooting 30% and struggled from the free-throw line at 53%. Alli Martineau led the charge with 17 points, 10 of which came from the line, but she was one of 10 from the three-point line. Ryley Bullock, Henne and Soleil Wilding each finished with 13 points. Julia Kreitz was strong defensively and was named Player of the Game.
Despite the setback the Coyotes win their first ever silver medal which they can add to their gold from two years ago. They will join the Royals at the CCAA national championship as a wildcard berth.
Following the game, the tournament All-Stars and MVP were announced:
All-Stars
Makayla Kimble – VIU Mariners
Ali Martineau – Okanagan Coyotes
Elizabeth Henne – Okanagan Coyotes
Laini Glover – Douglas Royals
Jettie McLaughlin – Douglas Royals
