The Miramichi Her-Icanes proved home court advantage is indeed an advantage.
Bouyed by a huge crowd of 568 at Miramichi Valley High School, the Her-Icanes made their home debut Sunday, roaring out of the gates with a 25-10 first quarter edge over visiting Fredericton Freeze.
And although Fredericton would recover and briefly take a third quarter lead, the Her-Icanes may have bent, but didn’t break, putting away the Freeze late for a dramatic 77-70 Maritime Women’s Basketball League win.
Both teams now sit 1-1 after the MWBA opened its third season of action over the weekend.
Slashing Lauren Rainford had 18 points to lift the Her-Icanes. Abby Miller scored 17 including some key putbacks in the pivotal fourth quarter. Bailey Black, the former Miramichi Valley High Pulamoo star, made a triumphant return to her home gym with 10 points.
Allie McCarthy paced all players with 20 points for Fredericton. Bailey Russel scored 12 and Katie Butts had 11.