WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier showed flashes of strong play but ultimately fell 78-56 to the Nipissing Lakers in OUA women's basketball action Saturday night at the Athletic Complex.
Golden Hawks head coach Megan Reid praised her team's resilience despite the loss, noting that the group continues to battle through adversity.
"I'm proud of how our team is battling a lot of adversity. We have players who are sick, injured, or dealing with things at home, and from the outside you do not always see that. But they keep showing up and fighting day in and day out," said Reid.
The opening quarter was tightly contested, with Laurier trailing just 17-16 after 10 minutes, thanks to early scoring from Isabella Cotton and Keira Aikman, who found success inside.
The game turned in the second quarter as the Lakers outscored Laurier 24-8, capitalizing on efficient perimeter shooting and dominance on the glass.
Nipissing's Katelyn DeCook and Taryn Gauthier each scored 17 points, while Sophie Milner added 12 and grabbed nine rebounds.
The visitors shot 50 per cent from the field in the second frame to build a 41-24 halftime lead.
Laurier responded after the break with a stronger third quarter, narrowly outscored by Nipissing 21-20, as they were led by fourth-year guard Brittyn Graves' seven points.
Veteran forward Kate White, last year's team MVP, provided a spark off the bench, finishing with a team-high 16 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Seven of those points came in the fourth, as the team only totaled 12 in the final frame.
"Nobody is happy with the outcome, but we are more than just outcomes," said Reid. "We are about the process and getting better every day. We were right there for three quarters. We had one quarter that got away from us."
Graves added 12 points and two three-pointers, while Aikman contributed eight points and seven rebounds.
Cotton grabbed eight boards as Laurier finished with 36 rebounds and 11 steals as a team.
The Hawks shot 30.2 per cent from the field and 29.2 per cent from beyond the arc, while Nipissing connected on 41.8 per cent of its attempts, including 10 three-pointers.
The Lakers held a 46-36 advantage on the glass and converted 18 points off Laurier turnovers.
Reid credited Graves for her steady presence and leadership.
"We have relied on Brittyn throughout," she said. "She's one of those quiet leaders who doesn't want the attention, but she keeps putting up shots and showing our team how to prepare."
Laurier (2-3) looks to bounce back Friday, Nov. 14, when they visit the Carleton Ravens (3-1) at the Ravens' Nest in Ottawa. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 pm and will be streamed live on OUA.tv
