Saturday, February 12th saw the Niagara Knights women's basketball improve to 11-5 after an impressive 81-55 home court victory over the visiting Lambton Lions. The win moves the Knights into a four-way tie for second place in the extremely competitive OCAA West Division.
The Knights controlled the game from the opening tip, shooting an outstanding 48% in the contest and all 12 players dressed in the game found the scoresheet. The team were led by local natives Courtney McPherson (Welland) and Mary Ingribelli (St. Catharines) who both recorded double-doubles.
McPherson, a graduate of Welland's Confederation, finished with a 12 points and a game high 13 rebounds. It marks the third consecutive, and ninth total game this season that the five-foot-eleven forward has recorded a double-double.
Ingribelli, a third year former Governor Simcoe Redcoat, finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds, her first double-double of the season. Ingribelli is averaging 11.5 point-per-game for the Knights in 2016-17.
"We felt that we prepared well all week" said Niagara College women's basketball head coach mike Beccaria. "Practices were spirited and we are pleased with the result today. We've really been working on rebounding and defending and it's great that our goals in those areas were met today."
The Knights will face a short turnaround as the team will host a strong St. Clair Saints team on February 12th at 1:00pm at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. The Saints enter the contest with a record of 11-3, and Sunday's matchup will have significant impact on the West Division playoff seedings.
Sunday's game will also serve as the annual Knights Basketball "Grad Game." Prior to the 1:00pm tip-off seven graduating members of the women's basketball program will be honoured at centre court. This year's grads include Jolene Awuku, Brooke-Lyn Murdoch, Emily Naccarato, Marina Painco, Julia Seymour, Kim Shepard and Melanie Tanguay.
