ANCASTER, ON - The Redeemer Royals women's basketball team dropped a 70-55 decision the St. Clair Saints Saturday night at the Redeemer Athletic Centre.

St. Clair  jumped out to an early 7-0 and led and 22-8 midway through the opening quarter. They led 31-16 after 10 minutes and extended that lead to 19 points midway through the second quarter leading 40-21 with 1:34 left in the first half.

The Royals rallied back, going on a 12-0 run to cut the lead to seven 40-33 early in the third quarter, but it was the Saints offense continuing to hit key baskets when needed on route to their fourth win of the season. St. Clair improves to 4-3 while the Royals fall to 2-6 in the OCAA West Division.

Leading the Royals was first year Julia Stayshyn (Dundas, ON) who finished with 14 points and 18 rebounds for the double-double, including a career-high 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Second year Kayla Simmonds (Hamilton, ON) and  fourth year Jessica Angelini (Hamilton, ON) both contributed with nine points each.

The Saints had three girls in double-figures, led by Shae-Lyn Murphy who finished with 23 points, including seven three-pointers. Also in double digits were Janae Smith (15 points, 6 rebounds) and Alyssa Lucier (12 points, five rebounds).

For the game, Redeemer shot 33.3% (18-55) from the field, 27.6% (8-29) from three-point land and 61.6% (11-18) from the charity stripe. St. Clair went 27-80 (33.8%) from the floor, 8-30 (26.7%) from downtown and 72.7% (8-11) from the free throw line. 

The Royals return to action on January 11th when they take on the Sheridan Bruins on the road at 6 pm.