Ravens pull away from Lancers to punch their ticket to the Critelli Cup final

OTTAWA, Ont. – It was a battle between two titans of the OUA. Pre-game ceremonies began with players from both sides receiving OUA regular season accolades for their statistical accomplishments. But once the game tipped off, it was all business. Windsor hung around with Carleton for two quarters before submitting to the Ravens' tight defensive scheme in the second half.

Fifth-year guard Catherine Traer (Chelsea, QC) dictated the pace of play throughout the game, scoring 13 points, while also hauling in four rebounds, handing out three assists, grabbing two steals and swatting aside a shot in 28 minutes of playing time.

"All credit to them, they're a championship team. They still have a pedigree of people, but we tried to use our depth a little bit. We didn't have our starting five," said head coach Taffe Charles, who received OUA Coach of the Year honours prior to the game

"Jen didn't really practice that much all week, too. So, I was trying to see if she could do it or not. In the second half I thought she was a big key in getting back to the normal stuff that we run."

GAME FLOW:

With a berth in the Critelli Cup final on the line, both teams began the game aggressively. A three-pointer by Nyamouch Teny gave Windsor an early 5-4 lead three minutes into the game. Two free throws by Kaylee Anagnostopoulos pushed the Lancers ahead 10-6, but the Ravens fought back. Fifth-year guard Jenjen Abella (Hamilton, ON) sunk a pull up jump shot before sophomore Karyne Jolicoeur (Ottawa, ON) hit a corner three to give Carleton the lead with two minutes left in the quarter.

Second quarter action began with Carleton holding on to a slim three-point lead. Teny continued to show off her range by tying the score at 13 just 50 seconds into the frame. Carleton answered with a quick 5-0 run, which was capped off by a deep three by point guard Alexandra Trivieri (St. Catharines, ON). With Carleton threatening to pull further away, Lancers head coach Chantal Vallée called a timeout. Carly Steer singlehandedly answered the call with a 5-0 scoring spurt of her own to knot the game at 18. Traer split a pair of free throws just prior to the halftime horn to help the Ravens enter the break up 24-22.

After a nagging ankle injury restricted her effectiveness in the first off, Abella showed why she's a crucial member of Carleton's offence in the second half. Abella finished the game with three assists and three rebounds and was the focal point of several Carleton fast-breaks. Forward Alyssa Cerino (Stoney Creek, ON) nailed a three from the top of the perimeter off a crisp pass from Abella to fuel a 38-28 lead for the Ravens. Emily Prevost answered with a baseline jumper, but the Carleton managed to maintain a 9-point lead entering the final quarter.

The Ravens enjoyed their best offensive quarter of the game in the fourth. Each basket proved necessary as a late push by Windsor saw the Lancers pull to within 46-42 after Kayah Clarke hit a turnaround jump shot. The Ravens showed their character by fortifying defensively for the final five minutes of the frame. Cerino converted an and-one layup to help supply a 52-44 lead. Guard Nicole Gilmore (Hamilton, ON) hit a timely three to push the margin to double digits. The long-range strike proved to be a dagger in the Lancers' hopes, as Carleton closed the game 61-48.

"It's good to have family and friends here, but we're not done yet," said Abella, who played 17 big minutes, despite nursing an injury. "We know that our ultimate goal is to get to nationals, but we only have one more game to go to get there."

The Ravens will head to Hamilton, ON to face the No.4 ranked McMaster Marauders in the Critelli Cup championship game on Saturday, March 3. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Burridge Gymnasium.

Source: Carleton Ravens