TORONTO — Athletes are often creatures of habit. It's why most of them come readily equipped with various traditions and routines. 

But when a team forms a habit of winning, especially to the degree that the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team has, they sometimes develop an immunity to any superstitions or changes that threaten their momentum. 

With stand-in Head Coach Stefanija Mrvaljevic on the sideline, the No. 3-ranked Bold supported that theory by defeating the York University Lions 62-53 on Saturday. 

TMU improved its record to 7-0 and comfortably holds the top spot in the East. It's the program's best start since 2023 (10-0). Mrvaljevic was part of the coaching staff that year. She also played for TMU during a perfect 21-0 season in 2021. 

If there's a group of qualified people to speak about how special this year's group is, then Mrvaljevic is certainly on the shortlist. 

"Good teams find a way to win," said Mrvaljevic. "Especially when things aren't necessarily going your way, that's always a good sign of a resilient and talented group." 

After setting a Bold program record for rebounds in a single game (22) against the Brock Badgers on Nov. 8, Hailey Franco DeRyck continued her role as the team's otherworldly force on both ends of the court. While she's recently been heralded for her rebounding prowess and defensive genius, Franco DeRyck is also a marvel as a playmaker. 

Whether it's as a grab-it-and-go type of transition spark plug or as a connecting hub in the half court, Franco DeRyck's passing stood out amongst her peers. Franco DeRyck finished the contest with five points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and one assist. While the numbers don't entirely support Franco DeRyck's vision on the court, her teammates and coaches understand what she brings to the team. 

"She has the passing skill and IQ," said Mrvaljevic. "The way she distributes at her position, there aren't many people in the country that can do that." 

When Franco DeRyck tore an offensive rebound out of the hands of a Lion defender, she threw a touch pass to Myriam Kone to give TMU a 27-24 lead late in the first half.

"I like making opportunities for other people," said Franco DeRyck. "When defences collapse, I just want my teammates to get good looks."

Coming out of halftime, the Bold ran hammer action on the first possession, which involved an off-ball screen in the opposite corner, providing guard Kait Nichols enough of a lane to throw a baseline pass to an open Catrina Garvey. A few possessions later, Kone scored in transition after having a few of her opportunities in the first half trickle out. 

A key moment in the game occurred when Franco DeRyck picked up her third foul at the 8:17 mark of the third quarter. At that point, Franco DeRyck had played the entire game. With the Bold only leading 29-25, it was important not to concede momentum. 

TMU responded with a 14-11 run and showcased the talent on the roster that goes beyond just any single player. Nichols was brilliant during this stretch. After bullying her way into the paint and finishing a layup through contact, Nichols got a block on the ensuing Lions possession. The Bold also forced at least three turnovers during this extended run without Franco DeRyck, who later checked in with under two minutes in the third quarter. 

With seconds remaining in the frame, Garvey dribbled out of a double team and found Ella McDonald, who knocked down a three at the buzzer to give the Bold the 46-36 lead. 

While York amplified its defensive pressure and made a comeback to draw within one point late in the fourth quarter, TMU found a way to weather the storm. Harnessing the energy inside the Mattamy Athletic Centre, Kone confidently dribbled down the court and broke out the euro-step for the score and the foul. Moments later, Franco DeRyck only needed one dribble to get from the three-point line to the paint, before also getting the bucket and the whistle.

After the game, Mrvaljevic exited the locker room with flowers in hand. She had just been celebrated by the team for a marquee moment in her basketball journey. 

"It's extra special because I remember when I was a player, our assistant coaches occasionally took over in similar ways," said Mrvaljevic. "It's a little bit of a full circle moment and I'm so grateful for that opportunity." 

"She's a big part of our team," added Franco DeRyck. "Seeing this for her is great." 

The Bold's next game is against the Algoma University Thunderbirds on Nov. 22. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. on OUA.tv.