Friday, October 21st saw the Niagara College women's basketball program open the 2016-17 season with an impressive 77-47 road victory over the Sheridan Bruins. The Knights never trailed in the contest, and the team used the opportunity to provide important early season court time all 12 players on the dress roster.
The Niagara was paced by veteran point guard Alyssa McCabe (Niagara Falls). The five-foot-five workhorse turned in a strong opening performance, finishing with a team high 15 points.
Brooke-Lyn Murdoch (Welland) turned in arguably her strongest game in a Knights uniform, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The Jean Vanier graduate was "outstanding at both ends of the floor all game" commented Knights fourth year head coach Mike Beccaria, and was named Niagara College athlete of the week for her performance.
Other key contributers were Emily Naccarato (St. Cartharines) who recorded her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Courtney McPherson (Welland) with seven points and 16 rebounds for the victory. Rookie Xuan Nguyen-Marshell (Scarborough) also has an impressive debut, recording 12 points by going four of seven from beyond the arc.
The win moves the Knights to 1-0 on the season and sets up a key early season road matchup with the 2016 OCAA Silver Medalists Mohawk Mountaineers on October 29th. The Knights will make their home court debut on November third when the team hosts the Humber Hawks at 6:00pm during the second annual Blue and White Home Opener. Admission is free for students and $5.00 for members for the general public.