LONDON, Ont. - Laurier's women's basketball team was in action on the road facing the Western Mustangs for their first matchup of the season on Wednesday. After a close first quarter, Western pulled away from the second quarter onward to take the 75-58 win.
In the first quarter, Laurier kept it close with
Katrina Brady racking up four points for the Hawks. However, Western was able to take the 16-12 lead at the end of the opening frame.
Western started the second quarter on an 8-0 run and continued the pressure, outscoring the Hawks 19-10 before halftime. Despite the Mustangs going 0 for 3 from beyond the arc, Western was able to recover 15 rebounds to Laurier's eight. Going into the break, Western held a 35-22 lead.
Western continued to stretch their lead in the third to as many as 22 points. That lead held until there were approximately three minutes left in the quarter when Laurier found their stride, finishing on an 11-2 run which started on the defensive side where
Victoria Beara recorded three steals.
After three, Western's lead was cut to 13 with Laurier having all of the momentum going into the fourth.
To start the fourth quarter though, Western came out firing - which restored their commanding lead.
Miranda Campbell attempted to bring the Hawks back by recording nine points, but the Mustangs were able to respond and maintain their advantage.
The Golden Hawks were the better shooting team on the night but were hurt on the glass, where the hosts held a 56-28 advantage and outscored the purple and gold 25-0 on second-chance points.
Top Performers
Laurier Golden Hawks
G
Miranda Campbell
Campbell played a great game for the Hawks, dropping 18 points with six assists. As well, she anchored the defense, recording six steals and three boards.
Western Mustangs
G Ariane Saumure
Saumure played lights out tonight, putting up a 23 point double double with 12 rebounds. As well, the Western guard dished out five assists and six steals in the win.
Up Next
Laurier (4-7) returns home to host the Mustangs (10-1) for the second leg of their home-and-home. Tip off is set for 1 PM at Laurier's Athletic Complex and tickets are available at
tickets.laurierathletics.com
