Saturday, November 23rd saw the Niagara College women's basketball program improve to 6-1 on the season after defeating the Redeemer Royals 69-61 at the Redeemer Athletic Centre. The victory moves the Knights into sole possession of second place in the OCAA West Division behind the 7-1 Humber Hawks.
After the game Niagara College women's basketball head coach Mike Beccaria felt his team showed "great poise down the stretch" as the Knights opened up a big 22-8 first quarter lead before allowing the hardworking Royals tie the game at 61 late in the fourth quarter.
An 8-0 run in the dying minutes proved to be the difference for the Knights, as the team captured the hard fought victory.
The Knights utilized their signature balanced offensive attack throughout the contest. Four players finished in double digit scoring, and all ten players on the roster saw playing time.
Leading way offensively for the Knights were Miranda Ross, Alyssa McCabe, and Tara Giallonardo who all finished with 12 points. Shelby Johnston (10) and Mary Ingribelli (8) rounded out the Knights top five scorers in the contest.
Third-year forward Miranda Ross had "by far her best performance of the season" felt Coach Beccaria. The six-foot-one St. Catharines native added seven rebounds, two steals, and an assist to her 12 points and was named Niagara College athlete of the week for her performance.
The 6-1 Knights now sit in second place in the competitive OCAA West Division. The team will play one of their biggest games of the 2013-14 season on Saturday, November 30th when they travel to Windsor to take on the 5-2 St. Clair Saints. Tip-off is set for 6:00pm.