WATERLOO, Ont. - The Golden Hawks made it back-to-back wins and 17 straight victories over the Algoma Thunderbirds with a 74-49 Senior Day victory on Saturday afternoon.

While this year's squad has just one impending graduate in Alliasen Miscione, the day wasn't short on emotion as the team showered their teammate with plenty of appreciation. Miscione, a fourth-year student-athlete from Hamilton, Ont. has missed all of this season and part of last due to a knee injury (and resulting surgery) but was asserting her role in the team's rotation a year ago.

Laurier manager of women's basketball operations and head coach Paul Falco acknowledged as much, noting that "she's another one on the long list of Hamilton guards that have come here and been a pleasure to coach."

"I thought she had a good ... half a season last year," said Falco. "She was progressing until she had the knee injury. It looks like she's going to have some opportunities to do a post-grad or master's degree, so it's great to see that she's been able to overcome that and keep going. And I think we'll see her back for some alumni games in a couple of years and be able to cherish that time."

And as much as the focus was on the team's lone departure, it also soon turned to current guard Miranda Campbell. As Laurier stormed out to a 20-12 first quarter lead and eventually a nine-point halftime advantage, the third-year business major started to leave her mark with 10 points to lead pace the squad.

Campbell's play only strengthened as the game progressed and her teammates continued to feed the hot hand. The Toronto, Ont. native started the second half with seven more points before posting 11 in the final frame to finish with a career-high 28 and 10 rebounds, giving her a double-double in back-to-back games.

Laurier never trailed in the ballgame and enjoyed a 28-point lead at one point as the team swept the weekend set.

Janet Enge also matched her career-high (set the evening prior) with 14 points. Cassidy Hirtle was the other Golden Hawk to finish with a double-double, as the Sarnia, Ont. native had 10 points and 10 rebounds. 

After the game, Campbell stated rather matter-of-factly that her shots "were just dropping".

"I've just been going out playing confidently, trying to get to the rim," Campbell said. "My foul shots have been contributing and ... I've been getting the open ones (from three-point range)."

Falco echoed those sentiments while admitting that "it's hard to find someone who competes harder than Miranda."

"I think her ability to get to the rim has helped her and helped us in terms of getting more attempts in the paint and more high-percentage baskets. And she's also starting to hit the three," Falco said.

Laurier's bench boss also credited Enge, who has also battled her way through injury back into the line-up.

"She's had a tough go (with injuries). She's finally starting to get into a bit of a rhythm. Now she's starting to get some games under her belt and ... feel more comfortable, " Falco said. "She's starting to understand what works and what doesn't and making better decisions, especially on the offensive end. So yeah, another good week and weekend for her."

With two more games remaining on the regular season schedule, the Golden Hawks will head to Windsor and Western looking to solidify one of the final playoff spots. Campbell feels that by working off the momentum of two straight wins, the team could be taking it to another level at the right time.

"We're continuing to help and build off each other, which is great to see. I believe that we can win both those games."


Top Performers
Laurier Golden Hawks
Campbell had the second-best individual scoring performance of the season for the Golden Hawks, coming just shy of Hirtle's 31-point effort earlier in the season.

Algoma Thunderbirds
Bethany Belaktsis was the offensive leader for her team yet again, recording a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Up Next
The Golden Hawks (7-13) will head to the Rose City to face the Windsor Lancers (11-9) Wednesday night. Game time is 6 pm.

Follow @WLUAthletics on Twitter for live scoring updates or catch the game live on OUA.tv and RadioLaurier.com