WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier's women's basketball team was back in action at home Saturday afternoon in their second game of the season against the Western Mustangs.Although the Hawks played an outstanding game, the team found themselves on the losing side of the contest, with Western winning 59-57.
In the first quarter, the Hawks were able to keep the game close, finding themselves down just one by the end of it. Laurier was able to out-rebound Western in the first 11-10, which was a big improvement on the glass from the last game at Western The low-scoring first ended 12-1 in Western's favour.
The second quarter was all Laurier, shooting about 62% from the field and forcing nine Western turnovers. The offensive burst was led by
Emmanuelle Felix and
Cassidy Hirtle who combined for 15 of Laurier's 24 points in the frame. Felix, who played five minutes of the quarter, was very efficient with her shooting; perfect from the field and the line, as well as recording three steals. Laurier was able to jump to a 35-25 lead going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Laurier's hot shooting cooled down and, as a result, were outscored 23-9. Western also clamped down defensively, forcing eight Laurier turnovers. Despite all that, Laurier trailed by just four heading into the fourth.
Laurier continued to keep it close throughout the final quarter, making it a two-point game with less than a minute to go .. but that's as close as they would get.
Laurier put up a great performance against a strong Western team that has now won five in a row, improving to 11-1 - good for second in the OUA West. The Hawks outshot the Mustangs from the field and beyond the arc, but Western's dominant third quarter took almost all the air out of Laurier's sails.
Top Performers
Laurier Golden Hawks
G -
Cassidy HirtleÂ
Hirtle had game-high totals in points (17) and minutes played (37), with the former coming on the strength of a season-high seven made free throws. Hirtle currently sits third in OUA rookie scoring, averaging 14.2 points per game.
G -
Emmanuelle Felix
Felix played a tremendous game, putting up season-highs in points (14), rebounds (8), and steals (3) in the close loss.
Western Mustangs
G - Ariane Saumure Saumure played another great game, recording 15 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Up Next
Laurier will visit the Guelph Gryphons on Wednesday, March 2nd. Tip-off is set for 6 PM. Watch the action live on OUA.tv
