U of S Huskies women’s basketball team win U Sports championship

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s basketball team is bringing the Bronze Baby back to Saskatoon.

The team defeated the Brock Badgers 82-64 in the U Sports Final to win the program’s second national title.

The Bronze Baby is coming back to the Bridge City.

The Huskies are @USPORTSca National Champions for the second time in school history!@HuskieAthletics 82, Brock 64#HuskiePride pic.twitter.com/j7tFX4rnr6

— Huskie Athletics (@HuskieAthletics) March 8, 2020

Fourth-year guard Libby Epoch described the feeling of seeing time expire on the score board.

“It was absolutely crazy,” she said. “I don’t think it’s still set in. This is something we’ve worked for all year.”

“Just being able to celebrate with the team will be the cherry on top.”

The Huskies led throughout the Final 8 tournament to put the finishing touches on a historic season that saw the team lose only twice.

Head coach Lisa Thomadis wasn’t safe in the post-game celebrations, either.

“Just storming the court at the end of the game — we all had tears in our eyes because it’s what we wanted so bad,” Epoch, who had nine points in the win, said of the ending.

“We got our coach with the Gatorade container, so that was pretty fun, too.”

Fifth-year guard Sabina Dukate led the Huskies with 24 points, and was named tournament MVP for her efforts.

Saskatchewan last won the championship back in 2016. Fifth-year graduating players Vera Crooks, Megan Ahlstrom and Dukate were all members of the team. That group was top of mind for Epoch following the win.

“Seeing them start their careers and end their careers on a win — that’s all you can hope for,” Epoch said. “That’s all you want to do is play for your teammates, especially your fifth-years, so we’re so happy we can do it for them.”

The team is expected to land at Saskatoon International Airport Monday afternoon.