Despite being shorthanded, the Niagara College women's basketball program walked away from the annual Georgian College Fall Classic women's basketball tournament with a silver medal. The Knights defeated John Abbott (Quebec) and the George Brown Huskies before falling to the tournament champion Mohawk Mountaineers in the gold medal match.
Third-year Knights forward Kaitlyn McPherson was named a tournament all-star for her performance during the two day event. McPherson had her strongest game during the Knights 50-43 victory over George Brown. McPherson recorded 16 points and eight rebounds in the contest. The five-foot-ten early childhood education student was also named Niagara College female athlete of the week.
Niagara College women's basketball head coach Mike Beccaria felt his team "gained valuable experience during the tournament." He continued "the key to our success during our victories was our hard work and discipline in the defensive zone."
During the championship game the Knights were without two significant pieces of their offensive puzzle. With Tara Gaillonardo and Alyssa McCabe both sidelined, the Knights roster was reduced to just nine players, and against the talented Mohawk Mountaineers the Knights were defeated 74-37.
Despite the loss Coach Beccaria feels his team "can play better and compete with anyone in the OCAA this season."
The Knights will open their 2013-14 regular season on Saturday, October 26th when the team hosts the Sault College Cougars. Tip-off is set for 6:00pm and for those who cannot be in attendance the game can be watched live at www.ocaatv.com.
