VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes women's basketball team swept the Manitoba Bisons 68-56 in the second of this weekend's series, Jan. 10, at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, in Winnipeg.
 
Four Vikes were on fire tonight with third year Ashley McGinnis coming off the bench to lead a game-high 19 points and five treys. Senior forward Jenna Bugiardini who led her team the previous night, contributed with 17 points while third year Nicole Karstein was the lone double-double scorer with 12 points and 10 rebounds. First year Amira Giannattasio chipped in with 10 points and two three-pointers while Cassandra Goodis led the team in assists. 
 
For the home team, it was guard Robyn Eyer who led Manitoba with 12 points. Forward Claire Harvey was also key on all areas of the court, tying with teammate Christina Posthumus and Melanie Edel with the most rebounds and totaling the most steals in the game.  
 
The Bisons were off to a strong start in the opening quarter after their defeat with the visiting Vikes the previous night. Some good defensive rebounds from the home team kept the Vikes at bay as they picked up speed, going on a 6-0 run in the last four minutes of the first. Those efforts gave them a 18-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
Manitoba kept their lead for most of the second quarter, but not for much long. A three-pointer from Vikes rookie Amira Giannattasio trimmed the home team gap to one point, giving the visitors an opportunity to flip the tables in their favour. Bugiardini's two-for-two at the charity stripe gave the Vikes an upper hand at halftime, leading 33-32. Victoria out-rebounded the home team 16-11 and out-scored Manitoba 24-14 in the second quarter.
 
The Vikes looked to repeat last night's outcome, driving strong on the offensive in the second half. In the third quarter, the Bisons got into some foul trouble and the Vikes capitalized on that to extend their lead to 47-39 entering the final quarter.
 
Victoria's offensive rebounds continued to hamper the home team's efforts to get back in the lead. Back-to-back threes from Bisons' Jenilyn Monton and Stephanie Gill trimmed the gap but Vikes' McGinnis was a threat to Manitoba from all over the court, shooting well beyond the perimeter too.
 
Next up, the Vikes return home to host Winnipeg on Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. PST, McKinnon Gym. Live video and stats will be available for broadcast at canadawest.tv.
 
SCORING SUMMARY
UVIC: 9-24-14-21: 68
MAN: 18-14-7-17: 56
 
SCORING LEADERS
UVIC: Ashley McGinnis (19), Jenna Bugiardini (17), Nicole Karstein (12), Amira Giannattasio (10)
MAN: Robyn Eyer (12)