The MacEwan University Griffins women's basketball held on down the stretch to knock off the University of Fraser Valley Cascades 83-75 Saturday night at City Center Gymnasium.

A seesaw battle in the first quarter was a result of a much better start for the Cascades. Teams traded baskets throughout the quarter with the Griffins taking a 19-17 lead. Celeste Dyck led all scorers with 10 for the Cascades.

An early 13-2 run allowed the Griffins to expand their lead early in the second quarter with Kelly O'Hallahan leading the way with five points and four rebounds. However, the Cascades would not quit, battling back to send the game into the half with the Griffins up 39-37. Sarah Wierks put up eight straight points to lead the Cascades late charge.

In the third the Griffins showed their aggressive side by grabbing nine offensive boards to pull away and take a 63-52 lead into the fourth quarter. Megan Wood paced the Griffins with eight points in the quarter.

The Griffins were able to hold on down the stretch despite another impressive offensive performance from Wierks who finished with a team-high 23 points.

Wood finished with a game-high 26 points earning player of the game honours. Dyck earned the honour for the Cascades with 13 points and five assists.

Next the Griffins will take their seven game win streak on the road as they travel to Kamloops, BC to take on the top ranked Thompson Rivers Wolfpack, with the first game taking place Friday night at 7:00 p.m. The Cascades meanwhile will head home to host the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat starting Friday at 7:00 p.m.