The women's basketball Hurricanes started their 2024-25 season on a high note with a big 85-69 home-opening win against the defending champions, the University of King's College (UKC) Blue Devils, at the McMillan Centre on Saturday.

The first quarter saw a heavy tilt battle within the first five minutes, with Holland slowly crawling out of the quarter with a 25-15 lead. In the second quarter, things went scoreless for just over a minute until, after a quick point from both teams, the Hurricanes went up 41-18 by the halfway point thanks to multiple layups, free throws, and jump shots. UKC managed a few points in the closing minutes but were not even close to Holland's level and were down 54-31 at halftime.

The third quarter was relatively quiet in the first half, but both teams picked things back up, especially the Blue Devils, who closed the gap to 69-54 at the end. The fourth and final quarter saw both teams exchange points, but Holland remained superior, hanging on for the game win.

Third-year guard Molly Steadman (Coldbrook, N.S.) led the Hurricanes with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Fellow third-year guard Lauren Armstrong (Canberra, Australia) and fifth-year forward and last year's ACAA Player of the Year Alexa Rancourt (New Dominion, P.E.I.) each recorded a combined 34 points (34 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal).

Head coach Chris Connolly said it felt good to be back and playing, especially in front of a big crowd at the McMillan Centre. "Excited about the win and to start the season with one against the defending champions and a very good program. We had great contributions from everybody and our defensive intensity was great right across the board. Our depth right from the start had impacts from everybody. The difference between the first and the second half was how hard we were after the ball, so if we can do that for 40 minutes, we're going to be pretty tough (in the future)."

The Hurricanes will be back in action next Friday, Nov. 1, as the 1-1 MSVU Mystics pay a visit to the McMillan Centre for a 6 p.m. match.

Connect with the women's basketball 'Canes at www.x.com/caneswbball and www.instagram.com/hurricanesbball.