The McMaster women's basketball team made its first visit to Nipissing University on Saturday night and brought home an 86-34 victory

The North Bay institution is in its debut season in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and is going through some growing pains as it adapts to a higher calibre of competition. 

McMaster established the tone of the game very early, bringing some full court pressure and  grabbing a 17-6 lead by the end of the opening quarter.   Marauder coach Theresa Burns was able to play her entire roster against the youthful Lakers, while maintaining control of the contest.

By halftime the McMaster lead had expanded to 43-18.

Both teams seemed to slow the pace in the third quarter, with McMaster seemingly content to share the playing time and work on some things, while holding a commanding lead.  Heading to the final quarter the Marauders were in charge by 59-25.

The Marauders picked up the pace in the final quarter and while Coach Burns kept substituting liberally, the players did a good job of staying focused, regardless of who was on the court.

McMaster was led by Danielle Boiago who scored 22, while Ally Schweitzer had 16 and 9 rebounds in her second start for the ailing Clare Kenney.  Rachel Holmes dropped 15 and Linnaea Harper was a force on the boards with 14 rebounds.   Top shooter for Nipissing was Claire Abbott with 14.

With the two wins on this northern road trip, McMaster improves to 8 and 4 and will take on Waterloo next Saturday, January 24th at 6 p.m.  It is the annual THINK PINK game in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.