Queen's vs. RMC November 2, 2007

Home opener a success:
- Over $1,000 raised for Breast Cancer Research
Queen's 88, RMC 54
By Dave Wilson

It was "Think Pink" night at Bartlett Gym, in an effort to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research. A Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) initiative, all of the women's basketball-playing institutions across the country have selected a game in which they will donate the gate receipt and other fund raising initiatives to the cause. As a league-opener against our cross-town rivals, the RMC Paladins, the night was a great success both on and off the court.

It seemed odd at the start of the game to see more RMC players in uniform than Queen's. Last year they were plagued with injuries, often competing with only 7 players suited-up. This year it was Queen's with only 9 players in uniform as Jess Selinger and Erin Skippon continue to nurse injuries. Also missing was Captain, Sarah Barnes as she attended an important conference for her Master's program.

Fourth year players Anne Murphy and Jaime Dale continue to shoulder the on-court leadership role. Despite surrendering the first hoop of the game to RMC, it did not take long for us to grab the lead, never to relinquish it. By the end of the first quarter, we led 24-12, and increased that lead to 46-30 by the half. Balanced scoring provided the margin, as Dale had 9 points, Amanda Northcott 8, and Murphy, Maddie Soye and Christine Wallace each had 7.

Our defense stiffened a little in the second half, only allowing 24 points, while scoring 42 to finish with the 88-54 league-opener win. Northcott finished with 18 points, while Murphy collected the double-double, 15 points and 11 rebounds. Wallace finished with 14 points and Alaina Porter chipped in with 11 points and 5 boards.