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Former Rivals to Continue Friendship with the Women's Basketball Program

Former Rivals to Continue Friendship with the Women's Basketball Program

It has been a busy off season for the Niagara College women's basketball program. Having already welcomed Hailey Tippett, Sydney Phillips, Courtney Banham, and Kianna Klauck to the roster for next season, Thursday saw Knights head coach Mike Becarria formally introduce a pair of Hamilton guards to the program.

Joining the Knights are Kaitlynn Marquard and Cassie Brown.

Former rivals competing in the Hamilton high school basketball league, Marquard was a member of the Westdale Warriors, and Brown the Sir Allen MacNab Lions.

"We definitely didn't like each other in high school" said Marquard. "Our schools were rivals, and we both competed hard."

After finishing their high school careers the two eventually became teammates competing as members of the Mohawk Mountaineers.

"Since high school the two have us have really become best friends" added Brown. "It started at Mohawk, but we're always together and it's going to be great being teammates again at Niagara College."

Both Marquard and Brown will enroll in the Niagara College Fitness and Health Promotion program beginning in September.

Coach Becarria believes the addition of Marquard and Brown "will add real depth and experience to our program." He continued "both are eager to work hard and become a part of the winning culture that we are building around the women's basketball program. We are happy to welcome Cassie and Kaitlynn to the Knights' family."

The five-foot-seven Brown was named Sir Allen MacNab athlete of the year on multiple occasions. When asked about her goals at Niagara College she said "I really want to get to know and build chemistry with all of our new teammates." She continued "I also have the personal goals of maintaining good grades and living an active lifestyle."

The 21-year old Marquard added "I think the new facilities at Niagara are beautiful and will really aid with my Fitness and Health course. I want to maintain a positive attitude in my program, because I chose Niagara College so I could learn and grow as a person."

The Niagara College women's basketball program will open their 2014-15 season on October 21st when the team visits the Sheridan Bruins.

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