ST. CATHERINES, Ont. - The Golden Hawks women's basketball team opened their season in St. Catherines Wednesday night where they fell 70-36 against the 2019-20 national silver medalist Brock Badgers. 

The first quarter found Laurier leading 9-6, led by Miranda Campbell (Toronto, Ont.) who started the game hot and recorded five of Laurier's nine points in the quarter. 

The scoring picked up in the second quarter for Brock as they outscored the purple and gold 24-11, taking a 30-20 lead going into the half. 

Laurier stayed in the game throughout the third quarter up until the last minute where Brock expanded their lead to 15 points to end the frame.

In the fourth quarter, Brock pulled away to take a commanding lead that proved too much for the Golden Hawks to overcome, as they were held to just five points in the final fifteen minutes. 

Despite the end result, first-year guard Cassidy Hirtle (Sarnia, Ont.) had a strong debut as well with eight points and six rebounds - the latter of which led the team.

It was a tough matchup on the road to start the season combined with the fact that it was the first taste of OUA action for many of the rookies wearing the purple and gold. The Golden Hawks (0-1) will look to bounce back Saturday against the Badgers (1-0) in front of a home crowd at the Athletic Complex.

TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
#7 - G Miranda Campbell (Toronto, Ont.)
The first-year guard led the Golden Hawks in scoring with nine points in 25 minutes of action. The Economics major also recorded four rebounds and a steal.

Brock Badgers
#4 - F Samantha Keltos (St. Catherines, Ont.)
Keltos had a big opening game, recording a double-double with 17 points with 16 rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks will face off against Brock to complete the home-and-home on Saturday afternoon for their home opener at the Athletic Complex. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM.