KINGSTON, Ont. — A strong opening quarter wasn't enough for the Golden Hawks, who fell 82-42 to the undefeated Queen's Gaels in OUA women's basketball action Saturday afternoon.
Laurier started sharply, shooting 46% in the first quarter as Keira Aikman and Brittyn Graves set the tone inside, while Maya Fuerth and Ella Thomas each hit early threes.
The Hawks built a four-point lead midway through the frame - their largest of the afternoon - and carried a 14-11 advantage into the first break.
Queen's responded in the second quarter, outscoring Laurier 26-15 and taking advantage of second-chance points and turnovers. Although Kayleigh Rawson and Kate White chipped in with drives to the rim, the Gaels' depth began to show. Queen's went into halftime up 37-29.
The Gaels took full control in the third, using a 24-6 quarter to stretch the lead while holding Laurier to 7% shooting from the field.
Queen's length and pressure sped the Hawks up, forcing 24 turnovers in the game that turned into 20 points the other way.
Laurier also struggled on the glass, giving up 13 second-chance points as Queen's finished with a 48-28 rebounding edge.
Aikman led Laurier with 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting and added three steals.
Graves posted six points and a team-high seven assists, while White chipped in five points and six rebounds.
Fuerth finished with six off the bench, and Thomas added five.
Queen's was paced by Kiyara Letlow, who scored a game-high 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
The Gaels improved to 9-0, while Laurier dropped to 3-6.
Up next, the Golden Hawks return home to host the Guelph Gryphons on Wednesday, Nov. 26 for Sneakerhead Night presented by Adidas. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now at tickets.laurierathletics.com
