The University of the Fraser Valley women's basketball team got a reality check from the Victoria Vikes on Saturday afternoon, dropping a 69-60 exhibition decision in the B.C. capital.

The Cascades, coming off a highly impressive performance on Friday in a 57-46 win over the reigning U SPORTS champion Saskatchewan Huskies, were unable to match that standard in their final game at UVic's preseason tournament.

"A team that really didn't respect their opponent until it was too late," UFV head coach Al Tuchscherer said, summarizing his team's Saturday showing.  

"We didn't come prepared to play, and it's a lesson we need to learn – the University of Victoria is a very good team with elite athletes and they're well-coached. They'll beat you every time you come with that approach."

The Vikes led 30-22 at halftime, and while the Cascades were able to get back to within 48-45 at the end of the third quarter, UVic was able to sustain the lead down the stretch.

Rookie forward Julia Tuchscherer led the way for UFV, posting a team-high 16 points in 37 minutes, shooting 6-for-13 and adding four assists. Maddy Gobeil chipped in with 14 points, Deanna Tuchscherer scored 10, and Nikki Cabuco had nine points and three steals.

Abbotsford product Tana Pankratz paced the Vikes with 22 points, highlighted by six three-pointers, and Ashlyn Day and Calli McMillan contributed 14 points apiece. 
Saturday's action marked the third game in four days for the Cascades against top Canada West foes. 

"The week played out really how we wanted it to, in a lot of ways," Al Tuchscherer said. "It was an opportunity for us to grow and to see some of the best teams in Canada West, and they're going to exploit things that we do. All three games were significantly different, with unique challenges from Winnipeg to Saskatchewan to today with Victoria."