(London, Ontario) – The Fanshawe Falcons Women's Basketball team concluded their 2021-22 campaign on Wednesday evening in an OCAA first round playoff matchup.
The Fanshawe Women's Basketball team (1-8, 8th in West) were in tough against the No. 9 nationally ranked St. Clair Saints (9-0, 1st in West) in Windsor. The Falcons fell by a close score of 60-56.
The Saints started strong, but the Falcons stayed within reach with a layup from forward Mackenzie Van Dyk (Nairn, ON) and jumper from Renee Maat (Oakville, ON). In the second frame, the Falcons excellent defense held the highest scoring team in the division to only eight points. Fanshawe came back with a great drive and the foul by Legacie Blackbird (Walpole Island). Blackbird continued her strong play with a made three-pointer. Van Dyk hit a midrange shot, then Micaela Howard (London, ON) grabbed an offensive rebound which resulted in two made free throws to give Fanshawe a 32-31 half time lead.
The Saints came out well-rested in the third quarter and knocked down 6/9 from long range to retake their lead. Alison Cotton (London, ON) found Grace Shea (Caledonia, ON) on a pick-and-roll, but the Falcons found themselves down 53-44 heading into the final frame. A strong post move from Shea put Fanshawe back on track in the fourth quarter. Another offensive board and finish by Howard continued the Falcons 6-0 run. Fanshawe's defense held the Saints to only seven fourth quarter points, but the experienced St. Clair roster was able to hold on down the stretch and win 60-56.
Fanshawe outrebounded the Saints 52-34 and shot 33% from the field to St. Clair's 26%, but St. Clair capitalized from beyond the arc, hitting 12/34. Outstanding defense from Cotton held St. Clair's top scorer Logan Kucera, who averaged 17 points per game in the regular season, to only six points. Van Dyk led Fanshawe with 14 points and added 10 rebounds and three blocks. Shea contributed 10 points and Howard had an impressive 16 rebounds on the night. Despite finishing 8th in the West, the Falcons were third in the division in points against per game and rebound margin.
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