KINGSTON, Ont. – The Golden Hawks took flight this past Friday to take on the Queen's Gaels in Kingston. The Gaels are currently ranked third nationally, sitting behind the Saskatchewn Huskies and Carleton Ravens. After a hard fought game, the Golden Hawks fell to the Gaels, 75-56.
Queen's opened the scoring of the match with an early jump shot, but the lead was short lived thanks to a three-pointer from third-year guard Cassidy Hirtle. The Golden Hawks quickly gained momentum and went on an eight-point run early in the first quarter, forcing Queen's to call an early time out. The Gaels returned to the court with more energy and played a full-court press on defence, however the Golden Hawks continued to attack and dominated the quarter, leading 20-15 at the buzzer.
The battle between the Golden Hawks and the Gaels continued throughout the second quarter. Hirtle was seen dominating the court, putting up 12 points in the first half. Despite their best efforts, the Golden Hawks started to lose momentum as the second quarter drew to a close, heading into the second half with Queen's leading 37-27.
The Gaels dominated the beginning of the third, running the court and controlling possession. Around the six-minute mark, second year forward Kate White lit a spark beneath the Golden Hawks, hitting back to back threes and cutting the Gaels lead from 18 points to 12. White went on to put up 10 points in the quarter. The rest of the Golden Hawks followed suit with Miranda Campbell and Brittyn Graves also putting points on the board, forcing the Gaels to again call a time out in hopes of disrupting the Golden Hawks momentum.
The fourth quarter started with the same intensity and fight the Golden Hawks had finished the third quarter with. Both teams were seen driving hard to the net and playing strong defence. After a three-point jump shot was hit by Queen's Hailey Barbieri around the 6 minute mark, the Golden Hawks began to lose momentum, allowing the Gaels to lock in on a run. At no point was the run completely unanswered, as the determined Golden Hawks squad fought to hold onto the game. They ran into a stout Gaels defence, however, and were unable to complete the comeback.
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
#10 – Kate White
White acted as a spark plug for the Golden Hawks in the second half of the game, hitting much needed shots to hold on score-wise as well as all boosting moral. White led her team in points with 15, and pulled down five rebounds as well.
Queen's Gaels
#10 – Laura Donovan
Donovan was the highest overall scorer in the game, scoring 24 points. Donovan was a driving force for her team with her radar precision at the net and determination on the court.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks remain on the road for their next game, this Saturday February 3 against Ontario Tech. The Golden Hawks will be tipping off at 4 p.m. in Oshawa. Stream the game live on OUA.tv or follow along @WLUAthletics.
