ANCASTER, ON.  The defending OCAA Champions Lambton Lions were in town to face the Redeemer Royals Friday night. The Lions are riding an impressive 2023-2024 campaign where they ultimately finished second in the CCAA. 

Lambton rallied to an early start which saw them lead 11-3.  The Lions extended their lead moments after to a quarter-high, 17-6.  

As the Royals settled in they climbed back into the game. Redeemer's second-quarter efforts brought the game within four at the half. Redeemer outscored Lambton 20-15 in the second quarter. Royals guard Sydney Drain was a key part of this momentum swing thanks to her seven points in the second quarter.

The defending champions were not going to let their lead slip away. Lambton stormed into the second half with intensity and experience outscoring the Royals by five in the third quarter. Lambton's Breanna Pretty had a phenomenal game posting 25 points. Without Pretty's efforts, the match may have had a different story.  

Fourth quarter action got underway and Redeemer kept fighting. The final period of action was evenly split and Lambton was able to fend off the Royals. The final score from Redeemer's home opener was a 71-60 loss. 

A spark for the Royals came from their bench. Redeemer's bench provided 18 of the 60 points and outscored the Lambton bench crew. 

Redeemer Royals Women's Basketball had a solid opening match and displayed they can play with the best in the league.