NORTH YORK, Ont. - It was a game that could help turn the corner for a young team.

After dropping their first two games of the season, the Seneca Sting hosted their home opener Tuesday night in front of a larger than average crowd in the Newnham Gym. Welcoming the Fleming Knights to town, the Sting put together a dominant, 40-minute performance, shutting down the Knights offensively for a 72-26 win.

The start to the game was delayed by 52 minutes as teams waited for the arrival of the referees.  The delay only added to the event as fans continued through the entrance, anticipating the tip off to another Sting women's basketball season.

The Sting defence stifled the Knights early and often as they quickly jumped out to an 8-0 lead.  After the opening quarter, Seneca held a 12-5 advantage.

An 11-0 run to open the second quarter helped blow open the game. The first Knights basket of the quarter came with just over three minutes remaining. Paige Smith (Picton) and Sharika Smith (Mississauga) led the Sting in scoring at the half with six points each.

Up 28-11 at halftime, the Sting looked to increase their lead in the third quarter.

With a performance as dominating as some of their recent medal-winning teams, the Sting executed their game plan at both ends of the court, outscoring the Knights 31-5 in the quarter, including a 27-3 run to end the quarter. Cesarine Moundele (Toronto) paced the Sting with 10 points in the quarter.

A close fourth quarter closed out the game as Seneca outscored the Knights 13-10 in the final frame for a 46-point victory.

Sharika Smith led the Sting with 18 points and three assists while Nikea Worrell (Cambridge) pulled down six rebounds. Paige Smith added 13 points.

The Sting will host the Loyalist Lancers on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Newnham Gym while the Knights return home for a game against St. Lawrence on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Source: Seneca College