The Waterloo Warriors split the weekend series against Algoma with a 50-45 loss to the Thunderbirds on Saturday night.

Both teams traded baskets in the first quarter, with four lead changes and either team leading by no more than 4 points. The Warriors led by a single point after 10 minutes of play on a late three by Aphia Ward (Beaumont/).

The Thunderbirds opened the second quarter with a 5-2 run. Later in the stanza, five straight points by Algoma's Kendra Cole extended the Thunderbirds' lead to 7 and forced a Warriors timeout. Algoma shot 46.2% in the quarter while holding the Warriors to only 17.6%. The Warriors trailed 28-21 at halftime. 

In the second half, the Warriors went on a quick 7-2 run to close the deficit to 2 points. Ward scored another late three to give the Warriors a slim 2 point lead after 30 minutes. Algoma answered with a 7-2 run of their own to start the 4th quarter, capped off by a Marlee Ball mid-range jumper that forced a Warriors timeout with 3:17 remaining. It was all the momentum the Thunderbirds needed as they handed the Warriors a 50-45 loss.

Aphia Ward (Beaumont/) led all Warriors scorers with 11 points and 8 rebounds. Afifa Salad (Cambridge/) added 9 points. Ann Stewart (Yellowknife/) suffered an arm in the face with about a minute remaining in the first half, but returned to action late in the 3rd quarter to finish with 8 points in the contest. Algoma`s Marlee Ball led all scorers with 15 points.

The Warriors play their next game at home against the McMaster Marauders on January 10. Game time is 6:00 pm.