The Niagara Knights women's basketball program (6-6, 6^th OCAA West) kicked off the second-half of their season on Friday night as they travelled to take on the Redeemer Royals (4-8, 11^th OCAA West).

After a slow start for the Knights, who scored just 10 points in the first quarter, they would bounce back with a strong second quarter that propelled them ahead of the Royals for a 32-28 half-time lead. They carried their momentum from the second quarter into the second half, extending their lead further and further and ultimately finishing things off with a 75-59 victory.

Bridget Atkinson (Welland) led the way for the Knights, scoring a season high 37 points. Atkinson put up her most dominant performance so far this season, also adding on 13 rebounds, 12 steals and six assists for what was nearly a quadruple double.

Head coach Mike Beccaria was ecstatic with the way Atkinson played calling it one of the best performances he has been able to witness as a coach.

"It's really nice to start the new year off with a win on the road," said Beccaria. "The story here though is Bridget [Atkinson]. Arguably one of the best performances by a player on a team that I've coached ever."

Sophia Al-Kayed (St. Catharines) had her best game of the season so far as well as the first-year guard scored a career-high 12 points and dished out four assists.

Beccaria was also impressed by the play of starting forward Kim Shephard (Woodstock) saying she played her best defensive game yet.

"Kim [Shephard] contributed mightily defensively," said Beccaria. "She put a great deal of pressure on their best forward [Tobie Brinkman], really making her earn her position on the court and her points."

The Knights return to the court on Saturday afternoon at 1pm when they host the Lambton Lions (7-6, 4^th OCAA West). It will be game one of a double-header weekend with the second game being against the St. Clair Saints (6-5, 5^th OCAA West) on Sunday at 1pm once again.