WATERLOO, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks closed out their final game of 2025 with a gritty 55-52 comeback win over the Lakehead Thunderwolves in OUA women's basketball action Friday night at the Athletic Complex.

From the opening tip, both teams showed intensity, diving for loose balls and forcing turnovers as Laurier looked to secure its first home win of the season. The Golden Hawks' pressure defence paid off early with multiple steals from Brittyn Graves and Kate White.

Still, Lakehead used second-chance points to take a 13-11 lead after the first quarter.

"What impressed me most tonight was the team communication and the team defence," said Laurier's manager of women's basketball operations and head coach Megan Reid. "Our effort didn't let up for four quarters."

Fourth-year guard Martina Errazo added, "I thought the girls and I played a really great game, and I think we ran the floor really well."

Lakehead pushed its advantage to 28-24 at halftime, buoyed by 22 points from guard Ally Burke and a near-flawless free-throw night - the Thunderwolves finished 21-for-24 (87.5 per cent) from the line.

Laurier stayed close thanks to White's seven first-half points and rebounding contributions in the paint. Errazo kept the offence organized with seven points on 3-for-5 shooting.

Reid emphasized the team's balanced scoring approach.

"When I see we have only one player in double digits, that means everyone is contributing," she said. "It was balanced scoring."

Laurier seized control in the third quarter, outscoring Lakehead 14-8 while holding the visitors to just one field goal on 9%  shooting.

Aikman sparked the surge with a three-pointer and heavy work on the boards, while Graves and Kayleigh Rawson created transition momentum off turnovers. A corner three from Maya Fuerth tied the game as Laurier took a 38-36 lead into the fourth.

Reid highlighted Rawson's impact in the turnaround.

"She brought her energy right from the beginning … the hustle plays and 50/50 balls made the difference," she said.

The Golden Hawks delivered their strongest offensive quarter in the fourth, shooting 41% and knocking down three triples.

Aikman scored back-to-back layups off feeds from Ella Thomas and Errazo, part of her nine-point, six-rebound night.

Graves added eight points and three steals, while White finished with a team-high 11 points and five rebounds despite being hounded all game.

Laurier also won the turnover battle significantly, scoring 17 points off Lakehead giveaways.

Lakehead trimmed the deficit late with free throws, but Laurier's defensive composure and rebounding closed out the victory.

The Hawks also finished with 30 points in the paint and 16 off the bench.

Errazo said the shared effort defined the game.

"I think we all collectively contributed really well," she said. "Everyone came in and did what they're good at, and we all put in the work."

Reid added that the performance caps an encouraging stretch.

"The last three games have shown our versatility and that we can sustain effort," she said. "The confidence is really high. We feel grounded and settled."

Looking ahead to January, she stressed continued growth.

"Everything's on film and everyone knows what you do," Reid said. "If you don't tweak things, you're stagnant - and you never want to be stagnant."

Up next:
The Golden Hawks (4–7) visit the undefeated TMU Bold (9–0) on Wednesday, January 7. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. and can be seen live on OUA.tv