Article By: Christine Rivet
WATERLOO — Memorial University coach Doug Partridge can’t think of too many situations he doesn’t want Waterloo’s silky smooth Grace Fishbein on the court at the Naismith Classic.
And the Bluevale Collegiate grad can’t think of too many places she’d rather be.
Amazing Grace is just one of Memorial University’s trio of Waterloo-reared players — all of them starters — on his St. John’s, N.L.-based Sea-Hawks.
The Sea-Hawks held off a late charge en route to a 60-55 victory over Div. 2 school Gannon University of Erie, Pa. in Friday’s opening-round action at the 44th annual Naismith Classic basketball tourney.
Fishbein, a fourth-year wing, was a woman on a mission Friday – blocking shots, diving for loose balls and scoring a clutch late-game jumper along with a pair of free throws in the final seconds to preserve the win.
“This is so exciting for so many of us,” said a sweat-soaked Fishbein referring to her fellow Sea-Hawks from Waterloo, including guard Kim Devison (St. David) and freshman point guard Megan Robinson (Resurrection).
“This is our hometown. I played (at the Naismith) two years ago and it was one of the best weekends of my life.”
Robinson exited the game in the second quarter after she hit her head on the floor although her injury is not thought to be serious, Partridge said.
A few years back Partridge recruited Fishbein and Devison at a local basketball camp. Robinson soon followed.
“We love for the Waterloo girls to be able to come back here to play at this tournament,” said Partridge whose squad meets the host University of Waterloo Warriors on Saturday at 3 p.m.
“It’s been a great connection for us with Waterloo.”
Fishbein, 20, said it’s a great opportunity for their folks, too.
“Our parents get to host the team for some meals – which they love.”
And for local basketball fans, we get a rare chance to see Fishbein, Devison and Robinson in action.
In the tourney’s other women’s game Friday, Sudbury’s Laurentian University tamed the Warriors 62-39.
Erin Simpson led the Lady Vees with 15, while Laura Burnett scored nine for the hosts.
In Friday’s men’s draw, the University of British Columbia clipped the Ryerson Rams 85-84 and Queen’s University battled the UW Warriors in the late game.
Action continues Saturday and into Sunday afternoon at the Naismith.
All games are at UW’s Physical Activities Complex.
MEMORIAL 60, GANNON 55
Sea-Hawks: Ally Forsey 16, Grace Fishbein 14
Lady Knights: Caitlyn Lowe 14, Jen Papich 12
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