The Niagara College Women's Basketball Program lost 57-46 to the Algoma University Thunderbirds on Saturday afternoon at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. Despite the loss the Knights gave the OCAA West Division's first place Thunderbirds (11-1) all they could handle in the affair.
Niagara head Coach Ron Lemon felt his team "played really well on defense. It was a tough game out there, but we just made a few mistakes and Algoma took advantage."
The first quarter saw both teams engage in a defensive minded affair with the score tied 4-4 heading into the second quarter.
The two teams traded baskets early in the second frame before the Thunderbirds went on a 9-2 run courtesy of their ability to get to the free throw line.
Despite surges late in the third and fourth quarter, The Thunderbirds never relinquished the lead they built during the second quarter and played with the lead for the entire second half.
The defensive affair saw just one player for the Knights reach double digits in scoring. First-year forward Lauren van Leerzem notched a solid 11 points and 5 rebounds in just 20 minutes of playing time.
Coach Lemon felt that despite the loss, his team has "played well over the last three games. If we keep playing like we have been we'll win our next few games and get into the playoffs."
The Women's Basketball Program will have little time to reflect on the defeat, as the team will host the Sault College Cougars on Sunday, January 20th at 1:00pm at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.
All Niagara College Varsity Athletics feature free admission and are live broadcasted and archived at www.sportslive.ca.
