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Victoria wheelchair athlete nabs bronze in her final national championship

Final score was 69-70 in a tight game over the weekend
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With national junior competitions behind her, the 21-year-old says she is trying to decide on her next chapter (Wheelchair Basketball Canada)

Ryleigh BissendenBԪַs final national championship as a player for the BC Wheelchair Basketball (BCWB) team ended on a high note.

Over the weekend, her BCWB team made its fourth appearance in as many years in the WomenBԪַs National ChampionshipBԪַs bronze medal game and managed to finally come out on top.

BԪַIt was a really proud moment for us. After four years of fighting for the bronze, we were finally able to do it,BԪַ said Bissenden.

ALSO READ: Victoria hosts Breakers womenBԪַs wheelchair hoops

This year, the team went up against Saskatchewan in the close final game. With 17 nerve-wracking seconds left on the clock, the B.C. team, up by one, was able to hold their opponents off long enough to secure the 69-70 win.

BԪַThat was definitely a nail-biter for sure,BԪַ said Bissenden. BԪַIt was the other teamBԪַs possession so we had to play really tough defense.BԪַ

ALSO READ: SidneyBԪַs Desiree Young at her first BC Winter Games

This will be BissendenBԪַs last championship as a junior. Six years ago, she took on the sport and started playing for BCWB two years later. This was her second medal, the first being the silver she won in the 2016 BC Games in Penticton.

ALSO READ: Meet the Greater Victoria athletes in Red Deer for the 2019 Canada Winter Games

With national junior competitions behind her, the 21-year-old said she is trying to decide on the next chapter. But one thing is for certain: she will continue playing for the Breakers, a B.C. womenBԪַs team.

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