CALGARY, AB – Too much to handle.

The nationally ranked University of Fraser Valley Cascades women's basketball team blew out the Mount Royal University Cougars 73-47 Friday evening at Kenyon Court.

With the win, the Cascades improve to 14-3 on the season, while Mount Royal drops to 6-11.

The Cascades' suffocating full-court press helped them go on an 18-3 run to start the game, and caused MRU serious problems prompting Cougars bench boss Robyn Fleckenstein to call two straight timeouts within the first five minutes.

Despite Mount Royal finally being able to find some decent offence, the powerful Cascades doubled up MRU 22-11 after the first quarter. 

Led by UFV forward Deanna Tuchscherer's nine points and seven boards in the first half, the Cascades held a commanding 17-point lead with one half of basketball left to play.

Mount Royal struggled gravely from three-point territory, going 0-for-9 in the first half. However, sharp-shooting forward Nora Luca finally got one to fall with a beautiful swish from deep coming out of the half.

The Cougars showed some heart and hustle in the third quarter to cut into Fraser Valley's lead. Nevertheless, an effortless pull-up jumper from Kyla Smith with time dwindling down gave UFV a 19-point cushion with one quarter remaining.

Cascades head coach Al Tuchscherer's defensive schemes continued to cause the Cougars fits while having possession of the ball, leading MRU's turnovers to tally up to a total of 25 in the game.

The fourth quarter saw both teams start to show their fatigue as the referees were forced to frequently call sloppy fouls and unforced travels. 

The powerhouse team from Abbotsford, kept cruising late into the contest and was able to empty their bench. Deanna Tuchscherer led UFV in scoring with 15, while Maddy Gobeil trailed just behind with 12. 

Nora Luca led the Cougars with 15 points. On-court captain Jenika Martens and Harriette Mackenzie each tallied seven of their own. 

The two Canada West teams will rematch tomorrow night at Kenyon Court for the MRU Cougars basketball's senior night. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. All the action can be streamed live on Canada West TV.