Waterloo, Ont. – The Golden Hawks took on the Nipissing Lakers this Saturday, November 18 for their sixth OUA season game.
Going into the game manager of women's basketball operations and head coach Paul Falco shared that "Nipissing is a tricky team because they play extremely hard at both ends." He went on to explain that the Golden Hawks would have to match the Lakers' energy if they wanted to come out on top.
From the first whistle, it was clear that the Golden Hawks meant business. Playing with a very strong focus on tight, zone defence, the Golden Hawks were able to dominate offensive and defensive play and gain a big lead in the first quarter. Brittyn Graves and Dylann Mazzuchin led the team each getting five points. At the end of the first quarter, the Golden Hawks led 24-10.
During the second quarter the Nipissing Lakers seemed to find their footing and settle into their offence. They were able to put up 15 points and had every member of their starting lineup earn at least two points. The Golden Hawks held onto their heads and continued to play their brand of basketball, slowly growing their lead. Fourth-year player Cassidy Hirtle led the team through the quarter putting up 10 of the 21 points.
The Golden Hawks entered the third quarter with the same dominate forms of play while applying intense defensive pressure. The Golden Hawks held off the Lakers' offence very well, making it the lowest scoring quarter of the game for Nipissing who only put up four points. The Golden Hawks were able to get a solid 19 points on the score board, once again furthering their lead.
The fourth quarter was the lowest scoring quarter for the Golden Hawks who only put up 11 points and the highest scoring quarter for the Lakers who put up 17 points. Nipissing forward Megan McCarter got 7 points on the board, becoming the high scorer for the quarter and her team's overall high scorer. At the end of the fourth and final quarter the Golden Hawks led 75-46 over the Lakers and were able to claim their fourth straight victory.
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
#7 - Cassidy Hirtle
The fourth-year Golden Hawks guard was a pillar for her team on and off the court. Staying level headed and calm throughout the game while also leading the Golden Hawks squad in points (18) ,Hirtle showed what a true leader should be.
Nipissing Lakers
#13 - Megan McCarter
McCarter was a stand out player for the Lakers throughout the game. She was the highest scorer on her team, putting up 13 points in her 39 minutes of play.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks will be taking flight this coming Wednesday to take on the Guelph Gryphons at 6 p.m. Watch the game live on OUA.tv or stay up to date on all the best moments of the game through our live updates @WLUAthletics on X.
