DURHAM 61, ST. LAWRENCE (K) 49

OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham College women's basketball team earned a crucial victory in their home finale by defeating St. Lawrence 61-49 Friday night at the CRWC. With the win, Durham clinches second place in the OCAA East region and an automatic berth in the provincial championship. This will be the Lords first trip to the OCAA championship since the 2005-06 season.

With 22 overall wins, Durham is now one victory shy of matching the programs' all-time record for wins in a season which was set by the 1996-97 squad who won an OCAA gold medal under the leadership of former coach Mike Duggan.

Despite an early nine-point deficit against St. Lawrence, the Lords were able to regroup and with a shutdown defence and opportunistic offence, pull away in the second quarter and beyond. This was highlighted by a staggering 25-6 second quarter in favour of the Lords.

Standout forward Kauri LaFontaine (Whitby, Ont.) led the attack for Durham recording 28 points and 13 rebounds. LaFontaine was able to capitalize on her versatility as she attacked from behind the three-point line and in the paint creating a conundrum for the Vikings defence that they were unable to answer.

Durham also benefitted from the strong defensive play of Katelynn Shields (Courtice, Ont.) as she matched up with the strongest player for the Vikings, Lacey Knox, throughout the game. Although Knox recorded a double-double for St. Lawrence with 17 points and 10 rebounds, she was consistently under pressure and uncomfortable because of the hard work the Lords defence which held her to a mere 3-of-17 from the field and 1-of-10 from beyond the arc.

The victory was made even sweeter for several Durham seniors as they were honoured in their final home game. Along with LaFontaine, fellow seniors Alicia Del Fuoco (Whitby, Ont.), Keriann Sullivan (Scarborough, Ont.), Kate Mowat (Whitby, Ont.), Kelsey Hare (Whitby, Ont.), Stephanie Legebokoff (Whitby, Ont.), and Kayla Marshall (Ottawa, Ont.) all received special recognition after the game for their hard work and commitment during their time as a Lord.

With one game remaining in their regular season, the Lords (12-3) can only be caught by St. Lawrence (11-4) and Centennial (10-4), both of which Durham holds the tie-breaker over. Durham will close out their season in Peterborough, Ont. on Wednesday, Feb. 19 against the winless Fleming Knights (0-15). Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

Source: Durham College

Photo Credit: Al Fournier