BRAMPTON, ON. The Redeemer Royals Women's Basketball team battled through a tough contest on the road against the Sheridan Bruins, ultimately claiming a hard-fought 70-61 victory. The Royals, who never trailed after the first quarter, showed resilience and teamwork to close out a crucial win on the Bruins' home court.
Redeemer came out of the gate with intensity, dominating the first quarter 19-10 behind the aggressive defence and fast-paced offence.
Talia Vreugdenhil was a key factor in the opening frame, setting the tone with her presence in the paint. The Royals' defence was stifling, forcing the Bruins into tough shots and limiting their opportunities.
Despite the solid start, the Bruins came alive in the second quarter, tightening the game to just a two-point deficit by halftime, with Redeemer leading 32-30. The Royals found themselves facing a more determined Sheridan squad, but the Royals' resolve held firm.
The third quarter saw the Royals edge out the Bruins, 14-12, to push the lead to 46-42 heading into the final frame.
Sydney Lazenby continued to shine, scoring efficiently and making key plays when the Bruins started to gain momentum. Lazenby finished with an impressive 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, emerging as a consistent scorer for Redeemer throughout the night. Lazenby's 19 is a career-high for the second-year guard.
In the fourth quarter, Redeemer closed the game with a balanced offensive attack and strong rebounding.
Mia Palango (14 points, 11 rebounds) and
Ava Froese (11 points, 13 rebounds) were key contributors on both ends, helping to control the glass and keep the Bruins from gaining any second-chance opportunities. Palango's double-double was a testament to her all-around effort, while Froese's 13 boards were crucial in preventing Sheridan from gaining any late-game momentum.
Talia Vreugdenhil was a force throughout the contest, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Her physicality in the post created mismatches for the Bruins, and her ability to clean up on the boards gave the Royals an edge in the rebounding battle. Vreugdenhil's presence inside not only limited the Bruins' scoring opportunities but also opened up space for her teammates to operate offensively.