ST. CATHARINES, Ont. — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team secured a commanding 76-60 win over the Brock University Badgers on Saturday night.

Third-year guard Catrina Garvey led the way for TMU with a 25-point performance, while Myriam Kone continued to impress, adding 20 points in her second OUA appearance.

The last time these two teams met was the OUA quarter-finals last season, when the Bold defeated the Badgers 72-53. 

These two teams have various ties to one another. Former TMU Lead Assistant Coach Shae Dheensaw is the head coach for Brock, beginning her second season in the role. Additionally, 2024-25 OUA Player of the Year Madalyn Weinert was coached by Bold Head Coach Carly Clarke over the summer while representing Canada at Globl Jam.

In the first quarter, the Bold came out strong, looking to secure an early lead. Trying to find ways to cover the Bold's dominant offence, Brock got into some foul trouble. This allowed TMU to capitalize on several trips to the free-throw line. 

The Bold also did a great job defensively, forcing eight Brock turnovers in the first quarter alone. TMU closed out the first frame ahead, 18-13.

Garvey showed out in the second quarter, going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. She finished the first half with an impressive 15 points, driving the Bold's offensive pursuits. 

Forward Jessica Keripe muscled her way under the hoop, finishing the game with six points and six rebounds. With these efforts, TMU slowly extended their lead, closing out the first half up 35-23.

Beginning the second half, Kait Nichols maintained her offensive drive before having to hit the bench due to some foul trouble. Nichols contributed 15 points and five rebounds.

The Badgers then slowly began creeping up on the Bold, shooting well from the three-point line. Brock stole the lead with 1:33 left in the third after Weinert netted a free throw.

Not satisfied with the idea of the Badgers taking the third, TMU amped up their energy in the final minutes of the third quarter. 

TMU's Hailey Franco DeRyck's efforts in the paint didn't go unnoticed, as she generated nine rebounds and two blocks. Kone also took control of the court, working both sides to grab the lead once again. 

The Bold narrowly finished ahead after the third quarter, 54-48.

In the final frame, the Bold's objective was to hold down the Badgers offensively and regain a comfortable lead. Efforts from the whole roster contributed to the team's success. 

Making an impression in the game was Bold first-year guard Ella McDonald, who got her name on the score sheet with four points.

TMU captured their undefeated opening weekend, closing out the fourth with a 76-60 win.

After a weekend on the road, TMU will host the Lakehead University Thunderwolves for their season opener next Friday, Oct. 31. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. TMU students get in free with their OneCard.