Capers score key victory over Tigers

Capers score key victory over Tigers

By Corey LeBlanc

SYDNEY – The Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers (6-11) snapped a four-game losing skid with a key 93-70 victory over the visiting Dalhousie Tigers (0-18) in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women's basketball action on Sunday evening at Sullivan Fieldhouse.

Sparked by the athleticism of junior forward Hailey MacLeod (Marion Bridge, NS), who was a monster in the open floor and on the glass, the Capers jumped to a 15-7 advantage midway through the first quarter.

All-Canadian forward Kiyara Letlow (Toronto, ON), as the first half unfolded, became a dominant force for the home team.

When Amanda Cruickshank (Montreal, QC) drained her second three-pointer of the first quarter, CBU took a 23-9 edge.

Heading to the second stanza, the Capers led 29-16.

In a low-scoring start to the next 10 minutes, CBU maintained its double-digit advantage, but the Tigers responded with baskets from beyond the arc from Kaitlyn Ferrier (Calgary, AB) and Sydney Guker-Wickie (Kitchener, ON) to stay within striking distance.

Keyed by five consecutive points from Ajda Licina (Podgorica, Montenegra), the Capers finished the half on an 11-0 run, and took a 46-23 lead to the locker room.

In the third quarter, Ferrier came out on fire for the Tigers, scoring 10 points in the opening few minutes, but her team continued to trail 56-34.

The contribution of another first-year player – Simona Matic (Belgrade, Serbia) – coupled with the ongoing scoring spurt from Ferrier, Dalhousie trimmed the CBU edge to 62-47 late in the third quarter.

Sophomore guard Darah Fleurgin (Montreal, QC), with consecutive hoops on drives to the basket, helped the Capers to a 68-51 advantage heading to the fourth quarter.

In the final stanza, the Tigers got no closer, while Letlow and MacLeod sealed the deal with their strong offensive play.

Ferrier, the player of the game, led the Tigers with a game-high 31 points, while Anna Parsons (Calgary, AB) and Guker-Wickie chipped in with nine and eight points, respectively.

Letlow – the Chartwells player of the game – topped the Capers with 29 points, while fashioning a double-double with 11 rebounds. Cruickshank and MacLeod added 15 points apiece, while Licina also hit double figures, with 12.

Fleurgin collected a double-double, with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while adding six assists.

The teams will return to action on Monday, Feb. 12, with a rematch at 2 p.m.

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