WINDSOR, ON - The Redeemer Royals women's basketball team hit the road to face the St. Clair Saints in Windsor, continuing their early-season stretch of competitive play. Despite a short bench due to ongoing injuries, the Royals showed tremendous heart and discipline before ultimately falling late in the contest.
Redeemer came out firing in the first quarter, taking control early and winning the opening frame 15–7. The Royals' defensive intensity forced several turnovers, and their offensive execution was sharp and efficient.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter as St. Clair found their rhythm from beyond the arc, connecting on five three-pointers and shooting 42 percent from deep. The Royals struggled to find their offensive flow, allowing the Saints to erase the early deficit and take a 32–25 lead into halftime.
Redeemer responded strongly in the third quarter, matching St. Clair's earlier three-point efficiency and battling back to keep the game within reach. However, turnovers continued to be an issue, preventing the Royals from fully closing the gap. The Saints held a 47–40 lead heading into the final frame.
The Royals continued to fight hard in the fourth quarter and remained efficient offensively, but fatigue began to set in as the short-handed lineup ran out of steam late in the game. Despite the final result, Redeemer once again showcased their resilience and rebounding dominance, areas that have become defining strengths for this group.
Fourth-year forward
Talia Vreugdenhil turned in another outstanding performance, following up her NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week honours with a commanding 24-point, 16-rebound outing. Vreugdenhil currently leads the OCAA in rebounds per game with 17.7 and sits among the top 12 in scoring, an impressive feat given Redeemer's tough early schedule and limited roster.
Once the Royals return to full health, they promise to be a formidable force in the OCAA, especially with their relentless work on the boards and the dominant presence of Vreugdenhil leading the way.
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