Box Score The University of the Fraser Valley women's basketball team picked up its first victory of the preseason, defeating the Victoria Vikes 72-60 at the Envision Financial Athletic Centre on Friday.

BOX SCORE

The visiting Vikes led by as many as 12 points in the first half, but the Cascades battled back to draw even, then accelerated on an 11-0 run early in the third quarter to seize control. The hosts led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter.

The two teams clash again on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the EFAC.

Shayna Litman excelled for the Cascades, racking up a game-high 23 points. Fellow starters Taylor Claggett (13 points, six rebounds) and Amanda Thompson (12 points) also scored in double figures, and rookie forward Katelyn Mallette came off the bench to post 10 points (3-of-3 from the field, 4-of-5 from the free throw line) and five boards.

Vikes Amira Giannattasio counted a trio of three-pointers among her team-best 19 points, and Kristy Gallagher scored 12.

The Cascades' big third-quarter run was the turning point, and Tuchscherer was pleased with how his team responded after halftime.