WATERLOO — They say good things come to those who wait.

It took until the 16:23 mark of the third period for the TMU Bold women's hockey team to find the back of the net, but once they did, they didn't look back, as the Bold won 3-1 in their season-opener against the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.

With TMU trailing 1-0 entering the final frame, Erika Crouse got the equalizer they needed less than four minutes into the third before Megan Breen got the go-ahead with just 4:49 remaining in regulation. Breen's goal — her first-career OUA goal — stood as the game-winner, while Tori Butler added an empty netter with just two seconds remaining to seal the victory for the Bold.

Jayden Lawson made 20 saves in the win — her first as a member of the program. After Golden Hawks forward Rylee Crego opened the scoring in the first period with a beauty backhand, Lawson shut the door from there en route to the opening night win.

After outshooting the Golden Hawks 22-16 in the first two periods, they were finally rewarded as they snapped Acadia Carlson's shutout bid. Crouse eventually was credited with the tying goal following a loose puck scramble in the Golden Hawks crease to get the Bold on the board.

With the potential of overtime overhanging the remainder of the third period, it was Breen who delivered the dagger, as she walked her man and beat Carlson in style to give the Bold the lead, and eventually the win.

The Bold picked up a victory on opening night for the fifth-straight season and moved to 1-0.

TMU will shift their attention to Saturday afternoon's home opener, as they welcome the Nipissing Lakers to the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. The Lakers open their season on Friday night against the York Lions, before concluding their two-game Toronto road swing the following afternoon.