The home court advantage did not pay dividends for the women’s basketball team this weekend against a strong Holland College Hurricanes Saturday afternoon.
The ladies Seawolves came out strong in the first quarter, leading the Hurricanes 24-19. However, the Seawolves were unable to stem the tide for the remainder of the game, accounting for only 41 points throughout the final three quarters to the Hurricanes 77 points dinged from the second to the fourth quarter.
Third year guard and Quispamsis native, Rachel Jefferson led the Seawolves with 17 points and played a team-high 30 minutes in the loss.
First quarter dominance by the Seawolves can largely be attributed to their aggressive and persistent offense. They were strong on defensive rebounds and were able to get the ball up the court quickly on the counter attack. A key part of this impressive play was second year nursing student, Monica Newman who put up seven points, seven rebounds and two assists in the first half.
Though impressive at times, the Seawolves were unable to maintain pressure and were inconsistent in getting baskets.
Nearly on par with the Hurricanes in field goal percentages in the first half, the Seawolves shot at 34.1 per cemt and the Hurricanes at 39.1 per cent. During the second half however, the visiting team ramped up their baskets made to 56.1 per cent while the Seawolves slipped to 29.7 per cent.
The Hurricanes, currently sitting in second place, are one of the top teams in the ACAA. The Seawolves proved they could compete with them with their outstanding first quarter performance, but as a team they will need to work on their field goal consistency if they are to make a push for the postseason.
Currently four points out of the fourth seed, the Seawolves will need to give their best effort of the season when they take on the top-ranked St. Thomas Tommies this coming Wednesday, Jan. 22 at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletic Centre. This game night, each point the Seawolves score, the Students’ Representative Council will donate $1 to the Alzheimer Society of Saint John. Be sure to come out and wear blue!
