Ontario Tech women’s b-ball team grabs historic first win

For most teams in the world of sports, a single victory is usually forgotten almost as it happens, but that wasn’t the case this past weekend.

The Ontario Tech University women’s basketball team picked up the first win in the program’s short history on Saturday, Feb. 1, snapping a 17 game losing streak in the process.

The Ridgebacks came from behind, down 36-30 at halftime, to defeat the Waterloo Warriors 77-70.

“The team has been working extremely hard all year,” said head coach Christa Eniojukan, who also earned her first Ontario University Athletics (OUA) victory. “They are very deserving of tonight’s win and I’m very proud of them. The first win is always the hardest, but now we’re looking forward to building on this win in the near future.”

Ottawa’s Hadeza Ismaila led the team alongside Dalyssa Fleurgin with 18 points apiece. Ismaila also had a game-high four steals and eight rebounds.

The duo led the comeback with a team-high five points apiece in the fourth quarter.

“There’s always a lot of growing pains for a first-year program, but I’m proud of how our team has come together this season,” said Ontario Tech athletic director Scott Barker. “We knew the first win would come, especially after coming close a few times. I’m proud of their accomplishment and am excited to see their success continue moving forward.”

Waterloo’s offence was led by Vanessa Hughes’ 19 points. Two other starters Sydney Wilson and Azaliah Colquhoun scored 15 and 10 points respectively.

Next weekend the Ridgebacks’ final home weekend of their inaugural season will feature Friday and Saturday night games against the Nipissing Lakers and Laurentian Voyageurs. Tip-off for both games is 6 p.m.