Over the weekend, the Niagara College women's basketball (2-0, 3rd West) program opened the 2015-16 OCAA regular season with two dominant victories over the Cambrian Golden Shield (0-2, 8th West). Game one saw the Knights prevail 97-29 followed by an 87-30 victory in game two.
After finishing the OCAA preseason with a record of 5-4, the Knights began the regular season firing on all cylinders. Niagara Falls native Alyssa McCabe led the team in scoring with 17 points, a mark she only surpassed once last season.
Playing in their first regular season game in the OCAA, first-year forwards Emily Naccarato (St. Catharines) and Marina Painco (Oakville) were impressive, as they scored 16 and 14 points respectively.
Game two consisted of much of the same and had three Knights finish the game in double digit scoring. Reigning OCAA rookie of the year Courtney McPherson (Welland) finished with 15 points, while Naccarato and team captain Miranda Ross (St. Catharines) finished with 16 and 14 respectively.
"Cambrian is a young team and we took advantage of that," said third-year head coach Mike Beccaria. "Overall I'm satisfied with this weekend's results and very pleased with our unselfish play on offence."
Former McMaster Marauder Brooke-Lyn Murdoch (Welland) paced the team on defence once again, finishing with a game-high five steals. 2014-15 OCAA leader in assists continued to distribute in this game, as McCabe finished with a game-high five assists.
"We defended well, with focus and intensity," added coach Beccaria. "It's a long season but I want to see us compete hard everytime we play, no matter who we play."
The season series sweep improves Niagara's record against Cambrian to 14-0 all-time, dating back to the 1977-78 regular season.
The Knights will now have a full week of rest before hosting the St. Clair Saints on Sunday, November 1st for their 2015-16 home opener. All Niagara Knights home games can be watched live at www.goknights.ca/watchlive. Admission to all Knights home games is free for all students and those under the age of 17 and $5.00 for all other spectators. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00pm.
