Mazerolle helps lift Hawks to a perfect weekend

Felicia Mazerolle and Bree Chaput combined for 21 points and the Wilfrid Laurier University’s women’s basketball team made a strong statement Saturday afternoon, tying for second in the Ontario University Athletics’ West division with two wins.

The Golden Hawks easily overcame the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins 58-44, finishing off their weekend undefeated after taking on the Queen’s Gaels Friday night.

Laurier (3-1) showed consistent ball control throughout four quarters, developing swift passes and placing almost ten players on the scoring sheet.

RMC (0-4) was able to put some pressure on the Hawks, scoring more points than the home team in the third quarter and staying almost even in the second and third. However, Mazerolle and Laurier’s tight defence proved to be too much for the Paladin girls.

“It was a tough one to play because everyone underestimates RMC,” said Mazerolle, a second-year guard. “We came in confident, but not too confident, and adjusted to the way they were playing.”

Laurier dominated the first quarter, scoring 16 points and only allowing six against. They extended their lead in the second by outscoring the Paladins 15-12. Chaput racked up nine points to lead the Hawks into the second half.

RMC pressured the Lady Hawks in the third quarter, pulling within six points and finishing the quarter with just a ten-point spread. However, the astonishing play of Doreen Bonsu proved to be too much on its own, as she became an offensive force for the Hawks.

A fourth-quarter rally wrapped up the game as the Hawks dominated the visiting Paladins. Mazerolle finished the match with a beautiful three-pointer that stunned RMC until the final buzzer. Mazerolle also claimed five rebounds and six assists on the day.

“My goal is to get the team going then I can get going. [A] last minute shot like that three-pointer is kind of a lucky shot,” laughed the confident point guard. “I played it off like I make that shot all the time.”

The Hawks made a strong statement over the weekend, proving that they can adjust to any type of play. The team has been working well, but Mazerolle sees much room for improvement as the season progresses.

“We are looking forward to getting better. We don’t want to peak right now,” said the guard. “Our goal is to just improve every game and play good defence. It all starts on defence.”

Laurier defeated the Queen’s Gaels on Friday, 83-60 as Samantha Jacobs tallied 15 points, two rebounds and one assist.

Laurier will “Shoot for the Cure” against the University of Laurentian Voyageurs (1-3) on Friday in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. Tip-off will be at 6 p.m.