ANCASTER, ON – The Redeemer Royals women's basketball team played their home opener on Tuesday night when the Niagara Knights came to town.
The Royals were winless through two games, so they were looking to get a win to build on. And did they ever come out looking for one...
The first quarter was pure domination from the Royals. They set the pace early, going on a 9-0 run to open the game. They outscored the Knights 23-8, Sydney Lazenby put up 15 PTs in the frame to pull Redeemer way ahead early.
The second quarter was much closer; Redeemer still outscoring Niagara 18-14. Lazenby led the way again with 10 PTs.
In the third, the Royals managed to outscore the Knights once again, 22-17. Sophia Van Raalte led the way with 12 PTs of her own, also adding three blocks to bring her up to five on the night. Ava VanHouwelingen hit two big threes to tack onto the Royals lead.
The fourth quarter was the only one that saw the Knights outscored the Royals, but only by one. Rookie Abigail Hoogland added 6 PTs in a crucial fourth quarter. The Royals would close it out, 78-55.
Van Raalte's seven blocks set a new program record for most blocks in a single game, breaking Tobie Brinkman's record of five in a contest back in 2016. The record stood for nearly ten years.
The Royals will hit the road to take on the Conestoga Condors on Saturday, November the 7th, looking to build on a big win.
