Waterloo Ont. – The Laurier Golden Hawks had a battle this past Friday, November 17 against the Laurentian Voyageurs. The Golden Hawks were able to dominate possession and secure their third straight win.
The Voyageurs came out hot after tip off and opened the scoring around the 30 second mark. Golden Hawk Kate White was quick to answer with a solid layup tying the score for the first time in the game. The score was also tied at 8-8 around the 7 minute mark and tied at 10-10 around the 6 minute mark. Later in the first quarter, the Golden Hawks took control of the play and pulled ahead in the score. At the end of the first half the Golden Hawks led 21-15 over the Voyageurs.
Martina Errazo opened the scoring of the second quarter with two perfectly shot free throws. Brittyn Graves, Cassidy Hirtle, and Dylan Mazzuchin all also put points on the board in the quarter. It became evident in the second quarter that the Golden Hawks were playing a very strong defensive game as they were playing tight to Laurentian players and began to create separation in the score, doubling the Voyageurs points for the quarter.
Manager of women's basketball operations and head coach Paul Falco shared that "the Laurentian team is very hard to guard because they have some good size and some good three-point shooters. So were really pleased with how we came in with defensive intensity."
Coming into the third quarter, the Golden Hawks continued to play strong both offensively and defensively as they put more and more points on the board. Hirtle, White, Enge, and Campbell all secured multiple points in the quarter, Campbell even hit a coast-to-coast buzzer beater at the end making it a 56-39 lead for the Golden Hawks.
The fourth quarter saw much of the same. The Golden Hawks continued to dominate play and were able to outscore the Voyageurs 12-9. The final score of the game was 68-48 for the Golden Hawks who secured their third victory of the 2023-2024 season, improving to 3-2.
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
#22 – Janet Enge
Enge has been a consistent player for the Golden Hawks during every game this season. Hitting threes and grabbing rebounds, she shows her true abilities. Coach Falco stressed that she did and exceptional job guarding a dangerous Laurentian player and made it hard for her to get any shots off.
Laurentian Voyageurs
#4 – Megan Axiak
Axiak was seen as a strong pillar for the Voyageurs team consistently throughout the match. Scoring multiple three-point shots and hustling offensively, she was a true threat for the visitors. Coach Falco commended her play, saying "she could really shoot it and really drive."
