TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team fell short in a tight game against the Guelph Gryphons, 59-51. 

TMU's Kaillie Hall delivered a solid performance with 13 points and seven rebounds, keeping her composure despite the deficit.

The Gryphons had a 10-0 run in the first quarter while the Bold struggled to get their footing. Looking to shift gears, Alex Pino knocked down a deep three-pointer to help the Bold pick up momentum. 

The Gryphons maintained their lead after the first, 19-11.

Beginning the second quarter, the Bold were eager to fight for the lead. Relentless to get the ball under the net, Hailey Franco-DeRyck rebounded hard and finished with 10 for the game. 

When asked what drives her under the net, Franco-DeRyck said, "I just kind of go to where the ball is. Under the net if I'm guarding the forward, the biggest player, they're likely to get it in their hands, so I just kind of make sure they don't get it."

Finding confidence in their shot, the Bold started to close the gap. Catrina Garvey scored seven points in the first half, taking advantage of her shooting opportunities.

Closing out the second quarter, the Bold were only down by one, 30-29. 

Starting the second half, both teams fought for the lead. Jayme Foreman was shooting well from the three, accumulating two for the game.

TMU's Kait Nichols took each opportunity she could get to rebound the ball and finished with nine rebounds for the game. 

Ending the third quarter, the game continued to be tight with the Gryphons, holding a 45-41 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Bold kept fighting for the win. Hall produced some crucial plays, charging towards the net when she had the chance. 

"I think the deficit is one thing. Our grit and wanting to win really comes out in the fourth, especially in a good game like that," said Hall when asked what keeps the team going.

Guelph took control of the game at the end of the fourth quarter, claiming their win, 59-51.

Reflecting on the team's first loss of the regular season, Coach Carly Clarke said, "I thought it was a battle of two really good teams, we knew it would be tough. I think we gotta work on some offensive execution, especially as we get a little bit of fatigue."

Looking towards their next game Coach Clarke hopes they can learn from the win, "We're always focused on getting better every game regardless of win or loss and there's always things to take from it."

Next week the Bold will stay home and host the Western Mustangs on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. Catch all the action on OUA.tv or click here to purchase tickets to the game. Students get in free with their OneCard.