EDMONTON - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's basketball team had a tough start to their 2023 schedule on Friday evening as they dropped a 79-52 decision to the No. 10 Alberta Pandas in Edmonton.

Kelsey Falk, of Vernon B.C., led the Heat in scoring with 13 points, shooting an effective 5-of-7 from the floor while Kelowna, B.C.'s Jaeli Ibbetson recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and season-high 16 rebounds.

It was UBCO's fifth straight match against a nationally ranked opponent, as the Heat move to 2-3 against Canada's top programs this season.

TOP PERFORMERS
Jaeli Ibbetson - UBCO 
It was the sixth time in her career the third year has grabbed 15+ rebounds in a game, tying a program record for defensive boards with 13. The Health and Exercise Sciences students\ also made a pair of threes and snatched two steals.

Emma Kary - Alberta
The fifth year guard from Calgary is averaging a career-best 19.8 points per game this season and continued her strong play with 28 points off 61 percent shooting from the floor. Kary found 13 of her points in the fourth quarter to cap off the Pandas' win.

WHERE THEY SIT
The Heat's loss sees their record slip to 6-5 on the season, sitting in ninth in the Canada West standings. The Pandas' fourth win over their past five, sees them stay one game back of the Regina Cougars for tops in the conference as they hold a 7-2 record.

UP NEXT
The two teams rematch Saturday afternoon in Edmonton at 4 p.m. Fans can catch the action live on Canada West TV.