Thursday, December 13

After dropping the first two games on the season, the Canaan girls have rebounded with two consecutive wins. Scrappy defense and aggressive offense were the keys to victory for the Lady Eagles in this one. Constant fullcourt pressure forced many Stratford turnovers, leading to easy transition baskets. Canaan jumped out to an early lead night, and hold off a physical Lions squad for the convincing 52-31 victory.

The first quarter belonged to Paige Marchand and Annick Marquis. Marquis connected on several midrange jumpers to start the scoring for the Lady Eagles. The Lions' defense was forced to extend in an effort to contest jumpshots, leaving the paint open for penetration. Marchand took advantage of the space in the paint, cutting to the basket and slicing through defenders. Stratford had trouble adjusting to the defensive pressure, and the Lady Eagles held a double-digit lead into the first intermission.

The Lions did not roll over after a disappointing start. With Marchand on the bench in foul trouble, the Canaan offense went flat. Despite their opponent's inability to score, Stratford could only manage to cut the deficit to 8. Danielle Harris steadied the pace of the game for the Lady Eagles, preserving the substantial lead into the halftime break.

The second half was much of the same on both end of the court. The Lions could not get consistent offense, and the Lady Eagles were able to maintain their lead. When momentum appeared to be shifting away from Canaan, a timely basket or defensive stop was always there.

By the fourth quarter, Canaan coach Eric Hurlbert was able to empty his bench and comfortably rest his starters. The win evens the Lady Eagles' record at 2-2.