CAPERS battled with DAL but shy of a victory

(Sydney, NS) Dalhousie defeated Cape Breton 61–48 in Atlantic University Sport women's basketball action on Friday, January 17 at the Sullivan Fieldhouse.

Dalhousie came out sharp, opening the game with a jumper from Simona Matic and building early momentum through disciplined defense and second‑chance opportunities. White added a series of strong finishes, and Gracie Dalton helped extend possessions with active work on the glass. Cape Breton's Cameron Clarke kept the CAPERS within reach early, scoring the team's first five points, but Dalhousie's defensive pressure forced several turnovers. A late free throw from White pushed the Tigers ahead 15–7 after one. Dalhousie continued to control the pace for the 2nd quarter as Cape Breton struggled to generate steady offense. Dalhousie was up 29–15 at the half.

Cape Breton came out firing in the third, mounting their best offensive stretch of the game. A trio of three‑pointers—two from Alicia Bowering and another from Lily François—along with assertive drives from Cruickshank, cut the deficit to as little as three (34–31). Dalhousie regrouped with timely baskets from Matic, who stopped Cape Breton's momentum with strong drives inside. White's work on the defensive glass slowed the CAPERS transition game to maintain a 45–38 lead heading into the fourth. Henning caught fire from deep late in the quarter, knocking down back‑to‑back threes to put the game out of reach. Cape Breton continued to battle, led by Bowering's long‑range shooting and Clarke's mid‑range scoring, but Dalhousie's shooting sealed the 61–48 victory.

Simona Matic and Madelyn White led the Tigers offensively, while Cairo Henning delivered an all‑around impact game highlighted by multiple steals, rebounds, and timely scoring.

Amanda Cruickshank led the scoring for the CAPERS with 14 followed by Alicia Bowering, the Subways of Cape Breton Player of the Game, with 12 and Cameron Clarke with 9.

The CAPERS will be back in action next weekend against the Memorial Seahawks. Friday's games are at 6pm for the women and 8pm for the men. They will face off again on Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00.

You can get your tickets for these games at the Kehoe Forum Box Office or purchase them on-line.