Varsity Reds Sweep Sea-Hawks

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Varsity Reds raced out to an 11-0 lead on the Memorial Sea-Hawks, on their way to an 82-69 victory.

The win moves the Varsity Reds to 9-and-5 on the season, while Memorial's record is now 1-and-13.

"We tried to focus on coming out with a strong start," said Varsity Reds guard Grace Wade. "I'm really pleased with the team for the start that we had, but we need to work on continuing that at the start of every quarter."

Wade led the UNB attack with 20 points, in a game that saw every Varsity Red record points.

Rachel Cleary scored 11 points and pulled down 9 rebounds, while Jane Boyle had 10 points and six rebounds.

Sydney Stewart scored a game-high 25 points for the Sea-Hawks. Lindsay Taylor added 15.

"Until the end there, our defence kept us in it, for the first three quarters," said Wade. "We didn't handle the pressure well, at the end, so going forward, we're going to have to work on that."

"Our pressure allowed for a lot more fouls and the game slowed down in the fourth quarter," said Memorial head coach Mark English.

The Sea-Hawks pulled to within six points, late in the fourth quarter, when a Sydney Steward lay-up made it 73-67.

But, with the clock running, the Sea-Hawks were forced to foul to buy time and the Varsity Reds pulled away again.

"I was proud of the girls, the way they battled back," said English. "It could've been a 30 point loss and they gave us a chance."

The Varsity Reds went 22-of-38 from the foul line.

Grace Wade feels that's not good enough. "Our last three games have been brutal from the line and that can make or break a game."

Wade assumes that could be one of the focus points in practice this week.

The Varsity Reds take their two game winning streak on the road next weekend.

They'll be in Halifax, to face the Saint Mary's Huskies.