By David Kent. The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (Pacific Division-CW) opened the 2013-14 preseason with a 61-57 victory over the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks (OUA West) last night in Waterloo, Ontario. The Cascades are on a three-game Southern Ontario road trip that will take them to London, Ontario today to face the Western University Mustangs at 7pm EST and tomorrow (Saturday) to the former Maple Leafs Gardens (Mattamy Center) to face the Ryerson University Rams (OUA-East).
Photo: Aieisha Luyken led UFV with 13 points against WLU.
The Cascades spotted the Golden Hawks a small two point lead early which they held onto after the first quarter, at 18-16. UFV shrugged off the long trip across the country by the second quarter to take a lead into the half by two points. The Cascades shot an impressive 44 percent in the half and 50 percent from the arch hitting three of six three-point attempts.
The defensive battle continued in the second half as UFV outscored WLU by a 29-27 score, earning the four preseason victory. Aieisha Luyken, Mission, BC led UFV with a 13-point performance. Luyken also pulled down 4 total rebounds and recorded three assists in 25 minute on the court. Sarah Wierks, Chilliwack, BC added 12 points and three boards in the victory. Nicole Wierks, Chilliwack, BC led all Cascades with 8 rebounds as UFV out rebounded WLU 44 to 38. The Cascades shot 26 percent in the half, and 33 percent overall for the game.
“Laurier really had us on the run tonight. They were forced to play with a smaller lineup due to injuries and I think we really struggled with the buzz that lineup created. I expect a bit more from our veterans. They’ve seen a lot over the years and they didn’t adapt to the circumstance tonight very well. Give credit to Laurier for really forcing us out of our comfort zone,” said UFV head coach Al Tuchscherer.
Friday, October 11
Women’s Basketball
Preseason: UFV Cascades @ Western U Mustangs (OUA-West) 7pm EST
NOTE: TIME CHANGE Western-UFV game to start at 7pm EST tonight (not 1pm EST)
Saturday, October 12
Women’s Basketball
Preseason: UFV Cascades @ Ryerson U Rams (OUA –East) 5pm EST