HAMILTON, Ont. - The McMaster Marauders women's basketball team secured top spot in the OUA Central Division at the end of 2022 and looked to further its record in the 2023 opener.
 
On Friday night, the Marauders hosted the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks at Burridge Gymnasium in the first game of the new calendar year.
 
Putting up an impressive 51 points in the second half, the Marauders collected a win in convincing style, defeating the visiting Ridgebacks by a final score of 91-48.
 

WBB??: MARAUDERS WIN!

The maroon and grey put up 51 second half points on way to the first victory of 2023!

Jenna Button and Cassie Joli-Coeur each recorded 16 points on the night.

The Marauders are back in action at Burridge next Friday!

MAC 91 | ONT 48
Final#GoMacGo pic.twitter.com/Ky1jvkoR52

— McMaster Marauders (@McMasterSports) January 7, 2023

 
After two minutes of back and forth action to open the game, the Marauders scored the first basket and never looked back, outscoring Ontario Tech 19-9 in the opening 10 minutes of play to hold a comfortable advantage headed into the second stanza.
 
McMaster continued to drive the net in the second quarter, adding another 21 points to take a 40-23 lead into the break.
 
The third quarter was more of the same for the Marauders, extending the lead to 23.

McMaster closed out the contest with their best shooting quarter of the game, going 70% from the field, earning a decisive 91-48 victory.
 
Twelve Marauders saw the court during the contest, but it was Jenna Button (Dundas, Ont.) and Cassie Joli-Coeur (Johnstown, Ont.) that led the way for McMaster, scoring 16 points each and securing a combined ten rebounds on the night. Sarah Gates (Newmarket, Ont.) and Amy Stinson (Hamilton, Ont.) each had double digit performances and combined for 25 points.
 
Next Up

The Marauders will now prepare for next weekend's contests with the Laurentian Voyageurs on Friday and the Nipissing Lakers on Saturday. Game time is set for 6PM both nights.