The Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks women’s basketball team fell 72-63 to the University of Guelph Gryphons on Senior Day, Feb. 8, at home.
Guelph took control early, outscoring Laurier 28-14 in the first quarter and extending their lead to as much as 18 points in the second. Laurier struggled to contest perimeter shots, allowing four wide-open three-pointers in the opening quarter. Guelph capitalized, shooting 52.6 per cent from the field and converting four of five free throws.
Laurier battled back, outscoring Guelph by seven in the second and third. Laurier briefly led in the third before Guelph took over. Laurier remained within striking distance in the fourth, keeping the deficit between five and 10 points throughout the fourth, but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Fifth-year guard and child studies major Renee Armstrong led Guelph’s offense, finishing with a game-high 23 points, five assists and seven rebounds. She shot 9-15, hit three threes and grabbed four steals. Third-year guard and sports management major Hannah Bourbon contributed a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 40 per cent from three and 83 per cent from the free-throw line.
Laurier shot 39.1 per cent from three but attempted 10 fewer than Guelph, who defended the perimeter well, while the Golden Hawks struggled to close out on outside shooters. A more aggressive three-point approach might have shifted the game in Laurier’s favor.
Despite the loss, standout performances emerged.
Fifth-year guard and perennial Ontario University Athletics All-Star Cassidy Hirtle, an economics major, led the Golden Hawks with 21 points while shooting 3-6 from three.
Third-year forward and biology major Kate White, who has made 142 career threes, recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 4-10 from beyond the arc.
Fifth-year guard and business major Miranda Campbell, despite being limited to 20 minutes due to foul trouble, played a key facilitating role in the second half. She had three assists and key passes that spread the floor.
After the game, Laurier’s seniors reflected on their time with the program. Three-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian Miranda Campbell spoke about how her years at Laurier shaped her both on and off the court.
“I had such an amazing experience at Laurier. I didn’t really know what to expect coming in, but I ended up meeting some of my best friends — something I will cherish for the rest of my life. We had so much fun, whether it was practices, away tournaments or games. It was always a great group of girls every year and that made everything so much better,” she said.
Campbell also emphasized the bond she shares with her fellow seniors as they wrap up their careers together.
“When I first came in, there weren’t many vets, so we had an opportunity to help shape the culture of the team. Now, we’re seeing the benefits of what we built,” Campbell said. “I’m going to miss all of them a lot. They’re some amazing, amazing people.”
Laurier secured a playoff spot but saw their season end in the OUA First Round, falling to Guelph 71-56.
Birnavan Varnacumaaran/Sports Editor
