WBB | Voyageurs Win Pivotal Game Against Rival Lakers
Off the back of a weekend split with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks and Queen's Gaels, the Laurentian Voyageurs hosted their Highway 17 rival Nipissing Lakers on Wednesday night at the Ben Avery Gym.
The pivotal matchup comes as the penultimate game of the season and a win being of vital importance. Should the Voyageurs end the night with a victory they would set themselves up in prime position for one of the final playoff spots in the OUA season.
Laurentian started strong, keeping pace with Nipissing in a fast-paced opening quarter. Molly Adams and Emilie Lafond set the tone early, combining for key buckets. From there their offense managed to get to the line on nine occasions going an overall 6-9 from the charity stripe in the first. Nipissing however also managed to pick up some key baskets and with both teams trading baskets, the game remained evenly matched heading into the second quarter tied at 19-19.
Offensive struggles defined the second quarter as both teams scored just 16 points apiece. Laurentian's defense tightened, forcing tough shots, but Nipissing continued to grab some key points at important times to stay in it. On the offensive side the Vees shot just 21% from the field in the second quarter but salvaged the second with another seven made free throws putting the score at halftime even at 35-35.
Laurentian edged ahead early in a hard-fought third quarter, with Molly Adams leading the way with six points in the third. The Voyageurs controlled the pace, continuing to get into the paint on offense while maintaining defensive pressure. Nipissing stayed aggressive, forcing turnovers, but Laurentian's ball movement created scoring chances. They ended up edging the quarter 18-17 in the end with their free throw shooting continuing to be a major story going 7-10 in the third allowing them to take a one point lead into the final ten minutes.
The majority of the fourth quarter seemed comfortable for the Voyageurs as with just over minutes remaining they held a 10 point lead over the Lakers. From there though Nipissing would bring it back to as close as two points before clutch baskets from Melanie Clouthier iced the game with Laurentian coming away with a 75-68 victory.
Laurentian's top performers included Emilie Lafond who had another 20 point performance while Molly Adams had 12 points and five steals. Melanie Clouthier also came up with 10 points off the bench.
Laurentian round out their regular season on Saturday at home when they host the Lakehead Thunderwolves with tip-off set for 6pm at the Ben Avery Gym.
- Andrew Lemieux