On Sunday, UBC’s women’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking loss to the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, falling 68–61 in an intense bronze medal match at War Memorial Gym.
Both teams entered the game wanting redemption after suffering blowout defeats — by over 20 points — in the semifinals.
Ottawa won the tip-off and started scoring quickly, with the Gee-Gees’ Alissa Provo scoring a nice three-pointer on their second possession. The Gee-Gees’ first three scores came from beyond the arc, making an impressive four of six triple attempts in the first quarter.
The Thunderbirds kept pace at first; Jessica Clarke hit two free throws and a layup, then Emily Martindale added another layup to tie the game at six. However, after some back-and-forth, Ottawa gained momentum, going on an 18–2 run. The ‘Birds added three more points from free throws, narrowing the gap in the final minute, but they still went into the second with a 26–11 deficit.
After last night’s blowout loss, it seemed like history was repeating itself for UBC. But despite the intimidating deficit, the ‘Birds kept pushing, not allowing Ottawa’s lead to grow beyond 16. Then, as the second period expired, Sara Toneguzzi scored the only successful ‘Birds three-pointer of the half, narrowing the gap to 40–29 and gaining much-needed traction.
Clarke quickly built off that momentum in the third quarter, making an and-one play. UBC’s defence intensified, creating turnovers and limiting baskets for a chance to catch up. Steadily, the gap narrowed. Olivia Weekes tallied two free throws, Keira Daly scored a layup, then Clarke made a jump shot and layup to bring the score to 42–40. Now, the seemingly insurmountable deficit was only a shot away.
Ottawa grabbed 2 more points, but Daly responded with a triple to keep the score tight, 44–43. After some back-and-forth, with seconds left in the third, Mona Berlitz lofted up a shot from beyond the top of the key. The crowd erupted in cheers as the scoreboard changed to 50–48, giving UBC its first lead of the game.
The final quarter was extremely physical as the two teams exchanged scores. Down 56–55 with only 3 minutes left, Daly nabbed the lead back with a stellar three-pointer. But it would be the last time UBC led as Ottawa responded with a 10-point scoring streak, widening the gap to 66–58 despite the T-Birds’ best efforts.
In the final minute, Daly scored a three and UBC created a turnover — but it wasn’t enough to overcome Ottawa’s final quarter push. The Thunderbirds finished fourth after the 68–61 loss, but UBC head coach Isabel Ormond was proud of her team’s performance.
“Nobody wants the outcome of this game, but all year and even for the last two seasons that I've been here, this team won't quit,” she said. “They're going to fight and push and bring energy, and you can't help but just be absolutely so proud of that.”
This marks UBC’s best postseason finish since 2015’s third place.
“I'm not surprised we're here,” said Ormond. “We earned it. We work on it every day in practice and, again, we'll be back.”
This article is part of our 2025 Final 8 coverage. Follow us at @UbysseySportson X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, as well as @theubyssey on TikTok, to follow our U Sports basketball coverage starting March 12.
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