WATERLOO, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks Women's basketball team was back in action Friday night to take on the #4-ranked Queen's Gaels. Although the Hawks were able to keep the game close and even have the lead for most of the first half, they were unable to win the game, falling 76-67.
In the first quarter, both teams played very well, however, Laurier's Cassidy Hirtle started her career night by scoring 16 of the team's 20 points in the frame. Hirtle was 5 for 8 from the field and 4 of 5 from behind the arc. Laurier out-rebounded Queen's as well, 10-9.
Hirtle continued her strong play in the second, leading the team in scoring with five points in the quarter. Despite only adding 12 more in total before the halftime break, the Hawks locked down defensively and only allowed 13 points by the Gaels. After the first half of play, Laurier led the undefeated visitors, 32-31.
While the halftime lead was nice, Queen's came out firing in the second half, scoring 24 points in the third quarter. Laurier rnetted just 12. Queen's shot 43 percent from the field while Laurier shot just 15 percent - including 0 for 5 from three. The Golden Hawks trailed 56-43 heading to the fourth.
Both teams scored at a very high clip in the final minutes of regulation, with Laurier outsourcing the Gaels 23-21. The Golden Hawks came back into form, shooting 50 percent from the field. Although there was pressure with the Hawks cutting into the Queen's lead, making it just a five-point game at one juncture, Laurier couldn't complete the comeback.
Hirtle, outstanding throughout, finished with a career-high 31 points, shooting 11-23 from the field and 6-15 from three.
When asked about the performance, Hirtle commented how proud of "how our team battled tonight."
"I couldn't have gotten the points I did without my teammates' hard work."
Manager of Women's Basketball Operations and Head Coach Paul Falco added that "it was a great effort tonight against a solid Queen's team."
"I told the team I liked our compete level tonight and we didn't back down from a team that is very experienced and one of the top teams in the country.
"We need to build on tonight's effort in tomorrow's game."
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
Cassidy Hirtle
The Sarnia, Ont. native set new career benchmarks in made field goals and three-pointers. She also had three rebounds.
Queen's Gaels
Julia Chadwick
Chadwick was dominant for Queen's, recording a double-double with 21 points and 22 rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks (2-5) play Ontario Tech (1-4) Saturday at 6 PM at the Athletic Complex. Tickets are on sale now.
Follow @WLUAthletics for live updates and watch live on OUA.tv.
