WATERLOO, Ont. - The Golden Hawks mounted a strong second-half push but fell 64-55 to the Guelph Gryphons in OUA women's basketball action Wednesday at the Laurier Athletic Complex.
The teams played an even opening quarter, finishing tied 15-15. Laurier shot 6-for-18 in the frame, including two three-pointers, while captain Kate White set the tone with early rebounds and steady ball-handling. The Hawks opened the game with an aggressive defensive plan, switching into a zone to limit Guelph's interior touches.
Second-year forward Keira Aikman said the team's defensive communication was strongest early.
"We came out super strong," she said. "We really focused on doubling Christina Morra on Guelph and executed that really well. We talked super well on defence, and our energy stayed solid throughout the game."
Guelph took control in the second quarter, outscoring Laurier 19-8 while shooting 53 per cent from the field. Hannah Bourdon, who led all scorers with 16 points, sparked the run with timely drives and pressure on the glass. The Gryphons carried a 34-23 lead into halftime.
Graves led Laurier with seven points in the opening half.
The Hawks responded with their best stretch of the night in the third, when they shot 52 per cent and outscored Guelph 22-13 to cut the deficit to 47-45. White, Aikman and Ella Thomas each made key plays, while Alexis Wright and Sarah Metwally added defensive intensity. Laurier held Guelph to just one three-pointer in the quarter.
Laurier's manager of women's basketball operations and head coach Megan Reid said the improvement came from contributions across the roster.
"We weren't relying on one player; we were relying on everybody," she said. "They got a little bit better, a little bit better, a little bit better. And that's what we need."
Aikman credited White's presence during the surge.
"Kate did really well keeping us composed and showed really good leadership," she said. "It's so good having her back. She always knows what to say and what to do."
Guelph regained control in the fourth, using late free throws and second-chance points - 20 on the night - to close out the win. Bourdon, Morra (14 points, eight rebounds) and Wright (16 points) led the Gryphons offensively. Guelph finished with 43 rebounds to Laurier's 29.
White paced Laurier with 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Graves added 13 points, while Aikman finished with seven. Laurier generated eight fast-break points and tied Guelph 32-32 in points in the paint but was held scoreless in second-chance scoring.
Reid said she was encouraged by the group's overall performance.
"It was one of our best games of the season in terms of four quarters," she said. "Our team defence was exceptional, and our offence is coming along. I see the progress."
The Golden Hawks (3-7) return to action Friday when they host the Lakehead Thunderwolves (3-5) on Alumni Night aiming to secure their first win on home court this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 pm and tickets are available at tickets.laurierathletics.com
Fans who can't make the game can also catch the action live on OUA.tv.
