CREDIT: MEGAN MCPHADEN
Fanshawe's defense clamps down on Sheridan in the paint, but it wasn't enough as the Falcons lost 70-67 in overtime.

The Fanshawe women's basketball team faced off against a tough Sheridan Bruins squad, losing 70- 67 in overtime on November 7.

The loss was disappointing for the women who were in gridlock in the first three quarters of the game. It was a constant tug of war for points for each team with Fanshawe seeming to break away only to have Sheridan claw their way back to even the score.

The Falcons, led by coach Matt White, fought for control of the ball throughout the first and second period, each team digging for points. Felicia Mazzerolle, point guard for the Falcons, played an impressive game, driving the offence down the hardwood and capitalizing on the fast break and making much-needed baskets to keep Fanshawe in the game. The game was intense, each team physical and fighting for the ball. Unfortunately for the Falcons, their defence faltered in the last quarter and allowed Sheridan to equalize, forcing overtime.

"We broke down and we didn't stick to our normal game ... We didn't play every possession, so they took advantage with that," said Mazzerolle.

Rookie Mazzerolle acted as the brains behind the team, setting them up point after point, only to have the Bruins fight back with their own rookie, Haeven Durrant. The game took a toll on both teams, neither letting up until the bitter end. Nicole Carriere for the Falcons sunk consecutive threes to give the Falcons the lead at one point in the game.

Fanshawe seemed to have the win within reach, only to have a few bad bounces give Sheridan possession, which was all they needed to seal the win.

Bruins head coach Willie Delas was noticeably calmer after the win. "I thought Fanshawe played excellently; we had some lucky bounces go our way and it was a good job on both teams' parts." Delas credited Durrant and Shylanda Saunders with carrying the team. "Haeven created a lot of steals and Shy was great at penetration and getting to the basket."

Falcon head coach White, although disappointed, said he is looking to hit practice already to prepare for their next game against St. Clair. "Our goals are to improve every day individually and collectively as a unit. We're going to be there at the end, we're a very strong team." For the women this season, "getting into the playoffs is the first step."

The basketball season is long and arduous. No team wants to peak early and each is looking to improve, with many stressing the importance of defence. Despite the importance of scoring, offense takes the backburner for many of these teams. "Defence is what gets your offence started, and it's what wins championships," said Mazzerolle. "It was definitely a learning experience and it was a wake-up call for us that every team is out to compete against us."

The Falcons host St. Clair on November 14 at 6 p.m.