Strong Defensive Play Propels Falcons to Win over Lambton

(London, Ontario) – On Wednesday evening at home, the No. 9 nationally ranked Fanshawe Women's Basketball team (5-1) notched an 82-42 win versus the Lambton Lions (5-3).

It was a defensive battle in the first half, as both teams struggled to shoot the ball. Natalie Warren (London, ON) found Mackenzie Van Dyk (Parkhill, ON) at the rim for a layup to give the Falcons some offensive energy. Warren continued to see the floor extremely well in the first quarter, recording four assists. After the opening frame, the home team led by a slim margin of 15-12.

Fanshawe's strong passing continued in the second quarter when rookie Legacie Blackbird (Walpole Island, ON) found Taylor Hill (Ohsweken, ON) on the fast break, Hill then slipped a pass to Ashleigh LaBlance (Wallaceburg, ON) for the finish. The Lions would stay within reach of the Falcons with a pair of baseline jump shots. LeBlance found her stroke from long range, hitting two triples to make the score 33-27 after twenty minutes.

The Falcons came ready to play in the third, opening the quarter with an 18-3 run. Fanshawe also stepped up their defense, holding Lambton to only five points in the frame. Jessica Cameron (Calgary, AB) knocked down a pair of free throws to open the scoring. Fifth-year guard Chuot Angou (London, ON) and Sydney Kendellen (London, ON) then were able to beat their defenders to the rim for points for the home team. By the end of the third frame, Fanshawe had stretched their lead to 57-32.

The Falcons had all the momentum in the final quarter. Jordan Braekevelt (Sarnia, ON) had a strong layup for the Birds. Bethany Miller (London, ON) then hit a three pointer that excited the home crowd and put the game away. Fanshawe had four players in double figures; Angou (14), Warren (12), LaBlance (11) and Kendellen (11).

Fanshawe's next game will be on the road on Saturday, November 16 against Mohawk (2-3).