Calgary, ALTA. — Following a bittersweet loss from yesterday, MRU earned a 15-point lead after the first period in a rematch against Regina. MRU would prevail in a commanding victory over Regina, as the score would conclude a 34-point lead of 79-45.

Initially, Regina was eager to get their offense going as Jade Belmore made a three-point attempt off the tipoff but found no luck. Until the halfway mark, both teams struggled to get things going while showing off an impressive defensive run. It was not until Temi Ajayi muscled through the paint to get MRU's offense going after making her first bucket of the night. 

With some pressure from Regina, it set up Jenika Martens with a beautiful pass from Jamie Lalor as Martens cut towards the rim without a defender in sight. Marissa Richards drew the Regina timeout as she drained a three in the face and hands of a defender, pushing MRU to 13-6. Leaving Maddy Hooper alone at the arc is a dangerous game as Hooper made her first three-pointer of the night coming out of the timeout. Luca took charge of the floor as a dominant drive to the net ended in a successful three-point play and another profitable trip at the free throw line created a 15 point lead for MRU, wrapping up the first period 21-6.

The 2-minute break led to Regina shifting their pace but quickly diminished as they would find themselves in early foul trouble in the second period. Regina would also use up their two timeouts before the 5-minute mark as MRU's defense continued to cause difficulty for Regina. J.Lalor remained to be MRU's force on the court as her offensive and defensive efforts led to her team's success. With frustration building and less than 2 minutes left, Regina's head coach earned a technical foul, sending Hooper to the line for a free point. However, Belmore made a massive block, took the ball to the other end, and made an impressive lob shot right at the buzzer. Entering halftime, MRU would be up 31-18.

From nearly identical spots, Martens and Luca each made their own back-to-back threes. Then, Luca made her second three-pointer right after her first, sending MRU to 40-20 after returning from halftime. Martens' offensive run also helped etch MRU's lead as Regina could not put a stop to Martens for most of the third period. Richards also shared some fancy footwork, clearing an open path to the net. In a jaw dropping run, Hooper made 3 back-to-back threes and 2 steals to set up those shots, dominantly extending a 31-point lead for MRU as the third period came to an end.

Hayley Lalor joined in the action as a quick steal and easy layup led to an exciting start to the final period. Cara Misskey ignited some light for Regina as her ball handling skills drew the and-one, successfully earning 3 points for her team. However, MRU kept forcing Regina to turnover the ball as J. Lalor earned a rather easy steal to cash in 2 points on the fast break. Checking in late, Alexis Evans made 4 points from inside the key. Kyu Fust, who made the game-winning three from last night, put up some of the final points for Regina as the game approached its end. Asha Donelly fired away the last three, leaving MRU with a dominant redemption victory of 79-45.

The Mount Royal University women's basketball team will return on January 10, 2025 for an away weekend in Saskatchewan to face the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.