Laval Tops VReds

(FREDERICTON, NB) The reigning U SPORTS silver medalists proved too much for the UNB Varsity Reds on Friday night.

The Laval Rouge et Or beat the Varsity Reds 81-47 in the first game for both teams at UNB's Helen Campbell Tournament.

In March, Laval fell to Quebec rival McGill in the national women's university basketball championship.

Claudia Emond(Saguenay, QC) led Laval with 16 points while Raphaelle Cote(Saguenay, QC) had a game-high 11 rebounds.

The Varsity Reds Laura Kaye(Fredericton, NB) led all scorers with 17 points, while Hannah Currie(Collingwood, ON) chipped in with 7 points and 7 rebounds.

"In the first half, our shots were falling and we were able to keep up with them," said Kaye.

"Overall our defensive effort could use some work, I think that's where we really lacked. When we weren't making shots, we weren't making up for it on the defensive end and I think that's where we need to improve tomorrow."

UNB shot just 27-percent from the field, while the Rouge et Or took advantage of UNB fouls, going 32-for-39 at the line.

"We had a lot of people stepping up, who aren't used to playing a lot and it's good for them to get the jitters out and for all of us to work the kinks out," said Kaye. "We're changing stuff, so getting all that out, those first game jitters, that's what we'll leave here and we'll bring a better defensive effort tomorrow."

Laval meets Acadia at 2:00pm on Saturday, in a battle of 1-0 teams.

The Varsity Reds take on the Laurentian Voyageurs in a game that is scheduled to tip-off at 6:00pm.

Both games will be played at UNB's Richard J. Currie Center.

RECAP AND PHOTOS BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics