SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. – The Laurier Golden Hawks and the Algoma Thunderbirds faced off for the second game of their weekend double-header on Remembrance Day in Sault Ste. Marie. The Golden Hawks dominated play right off the bat and were able to secure the 75-33 win and the weekend two-game sweep.
The Golden Hawks stepped onto the court and began to dominate before the first whistle was even blown. Cassidy Hirtle grabbed the first defensive rebound of the game and fed Miranda Campbell who scored a layup, opening the scoring of the game. The Thunderbirds were unable to get anything going during the first and scored a team total of two points in the quarter. Kate White and Alexa Sawchuck were each able to bank five points, leading the Golden Hawks in scoring for the first quarter. The period finished with Laurier leading 25 -2.
The Golden Hawks continued to dominate play into the second quarter and advanced the lead. The Golden Hawks were seen moving the ball very fluently in and out of the key. It became more obvious during the second quarter that the Algoma offence were rushing their play – likely anticipating the full court press shown by the Golden Hawks in yesterday's match. This, however, was not a beneficial tactic and meant they lost the ball often in panic which resulted in a high turnover rate. The first half finished with a score of 46-7.
Coming back onto the court following the half time break, the Thunderbirds seemed to be carrying a new sense of pride and confidence, putting up 7 points in the 10 minutes. Laurier's Cassidy Hirtle put six points up as well as pulling down two rebounds.
In the fourth quarter, the Thunderbirds gave the Golden Hawks a true run for their money, both outshooting and outscoring the Golden Hawks. The quarter finished with a score of 19 for the Thunderbirds and 12 for the Golden Hawks. The final score of the match was 75-33 for the Golden Hawks.
When all was said and done, four Golden Hawks finished with double-digit scoring totals while Alexa Sawchuk recorded a game-high eight rebounds .
TOP PERFORMERS
Algoma Thunderbirds
#2 - Sadie Grawbarger
The first year forward was a light for the Thunderbirds in a dreary Saturday afternoon match. Grawbarger was seen hustling up and down the court throughout the entire game while providing very solid defence. Her tenacity and determination was noticeable for Algoma.
Laurier Golden Hawks
#11 - Janet Enge
Enge put on a brilliant show in the game, playing solid defence and very strong offence. Enge netted 10 points, nine of which were from three point shots. She also grabbed two rebounds and had two assists.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks return home next Friday, November 17 to take on Laurentian at 6 pm at the Laurier Athletic Complex. Come support your Golden Hawks. Tickets are on sale now.
