Queen's vs. Laurentian February 1, 2008

Barnes Helps Gaels Rebound in Win Against Laurentian
by Queen's University Sports information Office

Queen's rebounded from a tough loss on Tuesday night to edge the Laurentian Voyageurs 75-69 inside Bartlett Gym at the Physical Education Centre. Forward Sarah Barnes of St. Catharines, Ont., led the Gaels notching 19 points and pulling down five boards.

Queen's was also successful in preventing Laurentian guard Cassandra Carpenter of Kanata, Ont. from achieving the all-time CIS record for most points in a career. Carpenter needed 19 points to tie the mark and 20 to surpass it, but only registered 16 on the evening. She is just four points away from attaining the mark and will likely record the milestone on Saturday when Laurentian goes head-to-head against the Royal Military College of Canada.

The first quarter saw the Voyageurs go on an early 7-0 run to take the early lead, however the Gaels fought back to tie the game. The quarter ended up with Laurentian holding a slim four point lead at 17-13.

In the second quarter the Gaels shifted into gear and saw Barnes and rookie Brittany Moore of Hannon, Ont. play a major role in a dominating quarter. Moore made two key three point shots while Barnes added one of her own, plus a three point play when she scored on a impressive shot while being fouled. The Gaels scored 32 points in the frame and took a 45-32 lead into the half break.

Laurentian tightened the game in the third while the Gaels relied on solid defensive play to maintain their lead with a 59-47 mark after three frames. In the fourth, the Gaels were hard pressed to hold onto their lead over the Voyageurs and key defensive play from the entire team turned away the comeback attempt. Laurentian closed to within three points of tying the game, however the Gaels stood firm and a solid 75-69 victory.

Darrah Bumstead of New Hamburg, Ont. was the leading scorer for Laurentian who had a game high 21 points and seven rebounds.

The Gaels sit in fourth place in the OUA East at 8-11 with just three games to play. Tomorrow Queen's will take on the York Lions inside Bartlett Gym at Queen's University tipping off at 6:00pm.