SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – The Golden Hawks took to the road this Friday to take on the Algoma Thunderbirds for the first time in the 2023-2024 season. The Golden Hawks were prepared to put up a strong fight against the Thunderbirds and were able to dominate the later portions of the game, resulting in a 66-36 win for Laurier.
The Thunderbirds came out of the gate swinging. Third-year guard Allison Read sank two three-point shots within the first quarter, really anchoring the Algoma offence. Algoma was also seen running a particularly strong zone defence which made it hard for the Golden Hawks to get established within the key.
Laurier rivaled this offensive and defensive pressure with strong shots and a quick pace from all players, especially Dylann Mazzuchin who led the Golden Hawks offence in points at the end of the first quarter. At the end of the frame, the Thunderbirds led 17-11 over the Golden Hawks.
Laurier second-year guard Kate White stepped back onto the court a complete menace in the second quarter, putting up 11 points by herself and hitting the boards for 4 rebounds. Veteran Golden Hawk Miranda Campbell also put up six points in the period. The Thunderbirds, though determined, were unable to catch the Golden Hawks and put up a team total of 7 points in the second quarter. It was evident that the Thunderbirds were playing hard despite the team's low scoring quarter as they pulled down 15 rebounds to the Golden Hawks 10.
Coming into the second half of the game, the Golden Hawks seemed to have energy to burn, not only dominating offensively by putting up 15 points, but also grabbing the boards at every opportunity, grabbing 17 rebounds within the third quarter.
Thanks to the already growing Laurier lead, every player on the roster for the night got to log some quality court time and the reserves did not disappoint. The Golden Hawks put up 17 points, furthering the lead and played a very tight man to man defence which really wore out the Thunderbirds. Algoma was unable to put up any points in the last quarter due to poor luck at the rim, a strong Laurier defence, and very low rebound rates. The Golden Hawks won the game with a final score of 66-36.
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
#10 - Kate White
Second-year player Kate White put up strong stats throughout the game. White led the Golden Hawks in scoring and set a new career-high of 23 points for herself after hitting five three-point shots and numerous free throws and layups.
Algoma Thunderbirds
#14 - Kaila Fong
Fong was a strong leader for her team and was seen as a pillar in both the Thunderbirds' offence and defence. Leading her team in both points scored (seven) and rebounds (six) and clocking the most minutes in the game, it was clear that despite the score Fong left everything on the court.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks and the Thunderbirds face off again tomorrow, November 11 at 2 p.m. for the second game of our weekend double-header. Watch the game live on OUA.tv and follow along @WLUAthletics on X.
