The Lancer women's basketball team earned a 74-55 win to the visiting Nipissing Lakers on Friday night in a thrilling game at the Toldo Lancer Centre.
 
STATS
Leading the offense for the blue and gold was Kali Grootenbeor who contributed 11 total points while third year forward Vanessa Budimunda led the team in rebounds with 13 points. The team also brought the heat shooting 34.8% in field goals compared to the 28.8% for the Lakers.
 
The visitors, Megan McCarter also had a huge game scoring 15 points and 9 rebounds.
 
GAME FLOW
In the opening quarter, Windsor got off to a quick start putting on a strong performance. The Lancers got up first on the board with two clean free throws by point guard Maggie Denys. As the game went into a back-and-forth battle, the Lancers gained the edge off of some Nipissing fouls and with less than two minutes left, the blue and gold were able to shut down the Lakers and take a 25-16 lead.
 
Heading into the second frame up by nine points, the Lancers continued to dominate the Lakers with their quick feet and tight defense. Windsor's Mariama Dehkissia, Isabella Anes, and Kaelyn Batten hit three straight 3-pointers to give them to boast their lead and leave the Lakers unresponsive. With 6 minutes remaining, a timeout called by head coach Chantel Vallee would give Nipissing some time to develop a better strategy and Windsor the opportunity to carry their momentum forward. Lakers forward Sawyer Fischer would make the Lancers defense put in the work as she capitalized on her chances with 10-points in the first half. The blue and gold shot 45.5% from the field in the 1st half to take over on the court. As the Lancers went on an offensive run to end the quarter and held a 43-27 lead heading into the break.
 
As the third quarter got underway, the Lancers carried over their momentum from the first half. The Lakers tried to close the gap, however the blue and gold were not going to back down and continued to find openings. Wide open, Denys made back-to-back triples to build upon their lead and put on a strong performance. Later, Harriet Carey and Grootenbeor would connect in the paint to add another impressive basket. With an incredible pace, Windsor held control 60-46 heading in the last quarter. 
 
The fourth quarter was pivotal as the blue and gold wanted to establish their lead to earn a win on home court. A foul on Nipissing late in the game gave the Lancers some clutch free throws from Budimunda as the Lancers scored 14 points in the quarter and take the win 74-55.
 
UP NEXT
Next up, the Lancers will host the Laurentian Voyageurs on Saturday, November 19th at 6:00 pm at the Toldo Lancer Centre. You can watch the live game on OUA.tv and tickets can be purchased on goLancers.ca/tickets.