ANCASTER, ON. The Redeemer Royals hosted the 'Hammer Hunger' food drive Wednesday night at the Men's and Women's Basketball matches. The Royals faced off against their cross-town rival the Mohawk Mountaineers. 

Mohawk Women's Basketball (8-4) is having a strong season thus far. In their last match, Mohawk knocked off the CCAA 10th-ranked Humber Hawks 74-60. The Royals looked to grab the attention of the OCAA with a win over Mohawk.

The Mountaineers stormed into Redeemer and established an early lead. Halfway through the opening quarter, the Mountaineers led Redeemer by seven points. Mohawks' early success resulted from their ability to spread the ball across the floor. The Mountaineers recorded 10 assists in the first quarter. 

Settled into the match in the second quarter, Redeemer established their offensive pressure. The Royals extinguished Mohawk's playmaking and held them to only three assists in the second quarter. The Royals outscored Mohawk in the second quarter 17-16. Leading the way for Redeemer was second-year guard Sydney Lazenby who recorded 9 points in quarter number two. 

At the half, Mohawk led the Royals 45-31.

Redeemer continued to impress with their ability to rebound. The Royals tallied 11 third-quarter rebounds. Despite their rebounding efficiency, Mohawk managed to force 11 turnovers in the third quarter. 

Fourth-quarter action had the Royals trailing with too much of a deficit to regain in one quarter. Despite a valiant effort, the Royals were unable to take the lead. Mohawk secured the victory 76-52.

Standout Royals were the Sydney duo. Sydney Lazenby and Sydney Drain recorded 12 and 13 points respectively. The effective backcourt has produced all season long and continues to be the backbone of the Royals offence. 

Redeemer is back in action Saturday when they face the Sheridan Bruins. Saturday's match is a must-win game for the Royals as the Bruins sit one position behind Redeemer in the OCAA standings.