SAULT STE. MARIE - The Laurier Women's basketball team was back in action against Algoma in their second game of the back to back Saturday night. After struggling in the first quarter, the Hawks were able to take the lead in the second quarter and never looked back, taking the 71-63 win.

The start to the first half was shaky for the Golden Hawks as the team shot just under 24% from the field. However, they were still able to keep it close with some good defense, trailing just 13-11 after the first quarter.

Laurier started piling on the scoring in the second quarter, outsourcing Algoma 28-12. The charge was led by Cassidy Hirtle (Sarnia, Ont.), who shot a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arch.

While the Hawks shot lights out in the second, an amazing 68% from the field, they also dominated the boards, out rebounding the Thunderbirds 11-5. After this scoring run, the purple and gold led 39-25 going into the half.

W?? - Maddy White with the dish to Alexa Sawchuk to tie up the game at the beginning of the second quarter. ???????? #soarabove pic.twitter.com/wx0c4pFzIp

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) February 12, 2022

W?? - Laurier doing everything in the first half, on the defensive side, Maddy White taking the charge. ???????? #soarabove pic.twitter.com/dtLcxya2AR

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) February 12, 2022

W?? - Maddy White with the turnaround jumper to cap off a great quarter by the Hawks. Laurier outscored Algoma 28-12 in the second quarter, giving them a 39-25 lead going into the half!???????? #soarabove pic.twitter.com/RRUFQN44FO

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) February 12, 2022

The third quarter was fairly even, with both teams scoring 17 points, with six of those points coming from Maddy White (Bolton, Ont.), and assisted by Alliasen Miscione (Hamilton, Ont.) on two of those baskets with some great dishes down low. Going into the fourth and final quarter Laurier still maintained their lead, up 56-42.

W?? - Laurier starting off hot in the second half with another 3 by Cassidy Hirtle!???????? #soarabove pic.twitter.com/moJtStFDj1

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) February 12, 2022

W?? - Alliasen Miscione threading the needle with a dish to Maddy White for the open layup. ???????? #soarabove pic.twitter.com/rica5Kt8b8

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) February 12, 2022

W?? - Miranda Campbell with the circus layup to extend Lauriers lead. The Hawks lead 56-42 going into the final quarter.???????? #soarabove pic.twitter.com/6tqpyKbH2N

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) February 12, 2022

In the fourth quarter, Algoma attempted to make the comeback, outscoring Laurier 21-15, but was simply not enough to take down the Hawks.

W?? - Cassidy Hirtle splashing her 5th three pointer of the night! Putting Laurier up 61-53 halfway through the fourth. ???????? #soarabove pic.twitter.com/cjfxzBfMJ0

— Laurier Golden Hawks (@WLUAthletics) February 12, 2022

The Golden Hawks played a great game, however, by the stat sheet the teams played a very similar game. Laurier won the game with their shooting prowess, cashing about 45% of their attempts from the field and 36% from beyond the arch.

With the win, Laurier moves to 4-4 on the season and extends its winning streak to three games.

TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
G Cassidy Hirtle
Hirtle had an outstanding game, tallying 21 points, tying her career high and shooting 5-7 from three. Along with points, Hirtle grabbed four boards and dished two assists.

Algoma Thunderbirds
G Thais Matte (Caxias do Sul, Brazil)
Matte put up 14 points with three assists and two steals in the Thunderbirds effort.

UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks are back in action Wednesday at home against the Waterloo Warriors for the first of two games in the Battle of Waterloo. Tip off is set for 6:00 PM. Tickets are available now at tickets.laurierathletics.com!