Mystics down Hurricanes 79-68

Source: Holland Hurricanes

The Holland Hurricanes were unable to overcome a wild surge in the second quarter by the Mount Saint Vincent University Mystics, who used the momentum for the rest of the game to hang on for a 79-68 win at the McMillan Centre. It was MSVU's second win of the season and their first against Holland. 

Holland went up 9-1 within six minutes with major contributions from veterans Alexa Rancourt, Lauren Armstrong, and Molly Steadman. Over two minutes later, a sequence of three-point shots and free throws closed the gap to 11-9, but the Hurricanes regained momentum to go up 16-9. A late Mystics surge in the final minute made the score 16-14 Holland going into quarter two. 

The second quarter saw a back-and forth duel for the first five minutes, with the Hurricanes eventually calling a timeout while down 28-25. MSVU called their own timeout not too long after, and that was what lit a fire underneath them from this point onward. Another series of three-point shots and free throws gave the Mystics a 43-33 lead at halftime, and they had outscored Holland 29-17 in the quarter alone. 

Mystics veteran Celine Sterckel had a half for the ages, recording 24 points and successfully scoring six of eight three-point shot attempts. She was the only player from either team to have more than 10 points going into the second half. 

In the third quarter, MSVU became even more monstrous, taking advantage of four successful three-point shots to lead 55-35. A Hurricanes timeout provided a reset which helped the team bring the match back to closer competition, and were down 60-50 at the buzzer. 

In the fourth quarter, MSVU briefly had the better start, but sudden bursts of energy by rookie Karissa George and sophomore Robyne Driscoll brought Holland back within four points just before halfway. From there, both teams exchanged points, but the Mystics pulled ahead to eventually win the game, sealing the deal with multiple free throws in the closing seconds. 

Sterckel led the Mystics to victory with 32 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Victoria Strickland and Keezaidra Smith combined for 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals. 

Steadman led the Hurricanes with 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Rancourt, Armstrong, and Plaggenhoef were the other Hurricanes to amass over 10 points. Driscoll had a strong performance whilst only playing a total of nine minutes, recording eight points, two successful three-point attempts, and one assist. 

Holland drops to 1-1 and will return to action next Sunday, Nov. 10 at home against the UNBSJ Seawolves. MSVU improved to 2-1 and will take one weekend off ahead of their next match against the STU Tommies at home on Saturday, Nov. 16.