ANCASTER, ON.  The Saint Clair Saints were in town Friday night to play the Redeemer Royals Women's Basketball team. The Saints (1-1) narrowly lost to the top-ranked Lambton Lions in their last match. Friday's match was surely going to be a nail-biter as the Royals looked to claim their first win of the season. 

The Royals had an excellent opening quarter. Redeemer established their dominance on the glass allowing them to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. The Royals outscored St. Clair by ten points on second-chance opportunities. At the end of the first quarter, Redeemer led 18-15 largely thanks to Mia Palango's seven rebounds.

Second quarter action got underway at the Redeemer Athletic Centre and the Royals were hungry for more. Led by Sydney Drain's ten second quarter points the Royals jumped to a 38-32 lead at the half. The Royals continued to control the rebounding in the match, recording nearly double St. Clair's totals.

Both sides had a rather slow third quarter. The Royals defence allowed them to maintain their lead entering the final quarter of play. 

Redeemer was chasing their first victory of the year with only ten minutes of play remaining. The offense for both sides kicked back into gear in the fourth quarter with each side trading baskets. Drain continued to be the Royals key offensive player allowing the Royals to maintain their lead into the final minutes. St. Clair was able to narrow the lead to four in the dying seconds, but the Royals were able to fend off their final efforts. 

Redeemer captured their first victory of the season 65-61. Mia Palango had an outstanding performance tying a program record 20 rebounds in a single match. Palango posted a near triple-double with 12 points, 20 rebounds and 6 assists. 

Sydney Drain also had a career night Friday. Drain recorded 20 points and 6 rebounds. 

The Royals are back in action Wednesday when they travel to Etobicoke, ON to face the Humber Hawks.