OSHAWA, Ont. – The Golden Hawks traveled to Oshawa this past Saturday, February 3, to take on the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks for their final game on the road in the 2023-2024 OUA regular season. Coming into the game the Golden Hawks were on a three game losing streak and knew they needed to find their way back into the win column. They did not disappoint, as they captured a win with a final score of 87-53.
The Ridgebacks came out in full force after the tip-off and proceeded to go on a unanswered eight-point run within the first minutes of play. The run was broken when second-year Golden Hawk Brittyn Graves went two for two from the line. This disruption of the Ridgebacks run seemed to knock their momentum as the Golden Hawks quickly began gaining control of the game, even going on a nine-point run of their own later in the quarter. The Golden Hawks led by two at 20-18 at the end of the first.
The second quarter began with a lot of back and forth play between the two teams, much like the end of the first. The Golden Hawks quickly started to pull away from the Ridgebacks growing their lead from two to seventeen throughout the quarter. Guard Miranda Campbell led the Golden Hawks in points throughout the quarter with seven, she was closely followed by Martina Errazo who had six.
Early in the third quarter Cassidy Hirtle made a three-point jump shot making the score 50-30 and giving the Golden Hawks a 20 point lead. Campbell quickly followed hitting two layups and a three-pointer, giving her seven straight points in just a minute and a half. Within the quarter Campbell earned 13 points and got five rebounds, this put her well on her way to achieve the double-double she secured later in the night.
Starting the fourth quarter the Golden Hawks led 71-40. This lead meant that coach Paul Falco was able to dip deeper into his bench and allowed for some of the less experienced players on the Golden Hawks squad to get time on the court. Fourth-year guard Khailan O'Connor led the Golden Hawks in points for the quarter with five. First-year guard Kayleigh Rawson followed closely with four points. All members of the Golden Hawks squad who dressed for the game were able to see the court.
With the win, the Golden Hawks get back to .500 at 9-9. They sit tied with their next opponent, the Windsor Lancers, for ninth place in the conference, and have secured a spot in the OUA playoffs.
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
# 14 – Miranda Campbell
Campbell was a force for the Golden Hawks when facing the Ridgebacks. She was seen keeping a cool head when facing pressure and was able to execute set plays when her team needed her. Campbell secured a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Ontario Tech Ridgebacks
#5 – Felicity Villarin
Villarin was a standout player on the Ridgebacks squad. She was one of the most resourceful player in the match up, able to find the net even when team morale was lower. Villarin secured 14 points and 6 rebounds in the game.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks return home next Friday February 9th to take on the Windsor Lancers. Support the Golden Hawks in person at the WLU athletic complex, stream the game on OUA.tv or follow along on X for live updates.
