WATERLOO, ON - Back on home their home court for the first time in 2022 - and a Battle of Waterloo match-up, no less - the Hawks came up just short 61-52 to the visiting Warriors, snapping their three-game win streak.
The first quarter started very closely until Waterloo was able to pull out to a seven point lead after the first quarter. Shooting just 31% from the field, the Hawks (4-5) put themselves in a bit of hole but with hopes of coming back stronger in the second.
In the ensuing frame, Laurier continued to try and keep it close, shooting 6 for 11 from the free throw line but just 2 for 15 from the field. As well, a scary scene broke out when the third year Laurier starting guard,
Alliasen Miscione (Hamilton, Ont) took a hard fall attempting a layup, forcing her out of the game. Without the play-making guard, Waterloo was able to take a 36-21 lead going into halftime.
In the third and fourth quarter, Laurier's shooting continued to struggle, going just 7 for 30 - including 2 for 10 from beyond the arch. However, Laurier was able to continue getting to the line, getting 15 points by way of fouls between the two quarters.
In the fourth, Laurier was able to cut the deficit significantly and get within four points, due to forcing nine turnovers by the Warriors, but Waterloo came back with 6-1 run to end the game.
Despite finishing their night just 22% from the field, the Hawks were able to record 13 steals, showing great determination on defense.
After the game, Manager of Women's Basketball Operations & Head Coach
Paul Falco reflected on how much the injury to Miscione in the first half affected his squad.
"It's always difficult seeing a teammate go down with an injury. Having one of our on-court leaders in Alliasen be hurt like that took some wind out of our sails, but I was pleased with how the team rallied and almost pulled off the comeback."
Top Performers
Laurier Golden Hawks
F -
Alexa Sawchuk
Sawchuk played a really strong game on both ends of the court, recording a team-high 12 points, four rebounds and three steals. She also made one of Laurier's two three-pointers in the game.
Waterloo Warriors
F - Mackenzie Obermeyer (Hanover, Ont.)
Obermeyer filled the statsheet for the winning Warriors putting up 12 points on very efficient shooting and nine rebounds.
Next Up
The Golden Hawks (4-5) will look to tie up the season series against the Warriors (4-3) in the return leg of the home-and-home Battle of Waterloo on Friday at 6 PM hoping. Catch the game live on OUA.tv.
