The Niagara Knights women's basketball program (5-4, 6th OCAA West) had a stellar weekend against the Sault Cougars this past Saturday and Sunday, winning their second and third straight games.
In game one, the Knights would ride a strong third-quarter where they outscored their opponent 24-8 all the way to a 64-47 victory. The Knights played a strong defensive game, holding the Cougars to just eight points in both the first quarter and the third quarter.
In game two, the Knights would start off the game strong, finishing the first half with a 34-20 lead before exploding for 25 points in the third quarter. They would finish off their second win of the weekend by a score of 73-51.
First year guard Alannah Yates (Hamilton) stole the show for the Knights, having a stellar weekend that helped her team win both games as she earned herself Niagara Knights' Female Athlete of the Week honours. In game one, Yates came off the bench and scored 16 points in just 15 minutes thanks to an impressive shooting performance in which she shot 54.5% (6-11) from the field. In game two, Yates would be promoted to the starting lineup and proved it was the right decision. She would finish game two scoring 17 points and also added four rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Head coach Mike Beccaria was impressed with the way Yates played all weekend long and praised her for her recent play that has resulted in three-straight double-digit point games.
"Alannah is starting to play like we thought she could in September," said Beccaria. "Her progress has been steady, and confidence is growing as a key contributor in this league."
Bridget Atkinson (Welland) had a strong weekend. In game one she recorded her second double-double of the season, finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds. In game two, she was all over the stat sheet scoring 16 points and adding 6 rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Rysa Delmundo had her best performance of the season in game two, scoring 18 points.
"We are pleased that Rysa has started to score," said Beccaria on Delmundo's strong showing. "She has struggled with injuries and is now starting to show the form and potential that we saw last season at the OCAA championships."
The Knights will host the Fanshawe Falcons on Thursday night before hosting the Sheridan Bruins on December 6th to close out the first half of the season. The Knights will be looking to continue their current win streak of three games and continue climbing the OCAA West standings in time for a second-half playoff push.
