WATERLOO, Ont. - The highly anticipated Battle of Waterloo delivered an intense showdown between the Laurier Golden Hawks and the Waterloo Warriors on Friday at Laurier's Athletic Complex. In a contest that came down to the final seconds, the Golden Hawks emerged victorious, edging Waterloo 64-59.

The game began neck-and-neck, with both teams struggling offensively, with neither team shooting better than 30% due to missed layups and turnovers.

Laurier's Cassidy Hirtle was key early, scoring a crucial layup and steadying her team at the free-throw line with a game-high six points in the opening 10 minutes.

Waterloo's Nehita Oko-Oboh and Alliasen Miscione responded in the paint, combining for 10 rebounds, to keep it close as Laurier led 15-14 after one quarter.

In the second, Waterloo found their rhythm. Yemi Oladipo dominated inside to post nine points, and Jaime Newell grabbed three key rebounds, helping the Warriors capitalize on Laurier's four turnovers.

A late three-pointer by Alyssa Renaud extended Waterloo's lead back to a game-high of six to 33-27 at halftime, setting the stage for a competitive second half.

Waterloo started the third quarter strong, with Stafford and Charissa Virr pushing their lead to 10 points.

Laurier fought back as Brittyn Graves and Kate White sparked a rally, with White's crucial three-pointer cutting the deficit.

Janet Enge's consistent play in the paint and seven points helped her match her point total from the previous two quarters and Laurier to close the gap to 45-42 heading into the final frame.

Enge, Laurier's Athlete of the Week who has really found her scoring touch of late, once again finished with a game-high points total at 16.

Laurier took control in the fourth, led by White's clutch three-pointer to extend their lead.

Waterloo's Oladipo and Stafford made a late push, bringing the Warriors within one point with 35 seconds remaining. Still, Laurier's defence and Hirtle's free throws, with five of seven coming in the fourth alone, sealed the win.

White's fourth and final three-pointer in the final 23 seconds further cemented Laurier's 64-59 victory.

Post-game, Laurier's manager of women's basketball operations and head coach Paul Falco highlighted the team's adaptability and halftime adjustments.

"We were a bit slow with our shots early, but we stepped up as the game progressed," he said, praising the team's improvements in transition offence and defence.

White also expressed pride in their balanced effort, crediting the team's energy and collective contributions.

"Our goal was to keep improving, and we're going to carry that focus forward," she said, reflecting the team's perseverance and determination.

With six games to go, the Golden Hawks extended their win streak to a season-high four games to sit fourth in the OUA West division.

They will look to sweep their season's Battle of Waterloo when they visit the Warriors in just over a week.
 

Up Next:

Before their rematch with the black and gold, the Golden Hawks (8-8) will face their other divisional rival Western Mustangs (10-6) at home on Friday, January 31. Game time is set for 6 pm.

Tickets are available now!

Fans unable to attend can catch the action live on OUA.tv or follow @WLUAthletics on X threads for live updates.