TORONTO — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team fell short in a battle against the York Lions on Saturday night, 62-57.

Putting on an impressive display for her senior night, TMU's Kaillie Hall finished with 20 points.

With each final regular season game holding power, both teams started the game with the intention of getting the early lead. Hall navigated through York's defence, driving towards the rim to add points.

TMU's Jayme Foreman knocked down back-to-back three-point field goals, displaying her dominant veteran shooting. The Bold closed the first with the lead, 18-14.

In the second quarter, both teams' intensity remained. Using their effective ball movement and court awareness, the Bold executed some key plays. Both Jessica Keripe and Catrina Garvey put points on the board, both scoring and assisting each other.

The Lions began to creep up on the Bold stealing the lead in the last minute. With seconds left in the first half, Hall secured a layup to claim the lead for the Bold, 30-29.

At the start of the second half, the third quarter featured a fast-paced energy. The lead continuously shifted, with both teams determined. 

TMU's Hailey Franco DeRyck used her physicality to get her hands on the ball, finishing the game with a career-high 18 rebounds. 

"You know, she's a competitor. She's fearless and not afraid to be physical and put herself in situations, and she distracts them all so well," said Coach Carly Clarke on Franco DeRyck's play. 

It was a down-to-the wire third quarter but the Lions emerged with the lead, 44-41.

The heated contest continued to be a nail-biter in the fourth quarter. TMU's Callie Wright muscled her way through the paint, executing some crucial plays. Additionally, Hall continued to drive towards the rim, leaving everything on the court. 

Unfortunately, York bested the Bold and claimed the win after the fourth, 62-57.

Hall hopes to take this high-intensity loss and build before the postseason, "Really trying to harp on the details because that's the difference this time of year, it's the little things that really do make a big impact between winning and losing."

Coach Clarke also hopes to polish some last-minute details, "We're just playing possession by possession, continue to try and get sharp, hopefully get bodies back in the lineup and be as healthy as possible going into playoffs."

The game ended with bittersweet senior night celebrations honoring the Bold's seniors, Callie Wright, Jayme Foreman, Kaillie Hall, Hailey Fedick and Lauryn Meek. Coach Clarke took some time to say a few words about each of the players, recognizing their contributions to the program. 

"That's the thing I love the most about coaching is seeing them grow and develop, obviously, as players, but also as people. And you know, hopefully their experience has impacted them in a positive way. But you know, the way they've impacted me during their time is also always massive. So, you know, I'm grateful we get to celebrate them," said Coach Clarke.

"There's no better experience in my opinion than playing at TMU and whether that's you know my relationship with Carly, my teammates, support staff or my academic journey as well it's just been a huge part of developing me as an athlete but also as a person," said Hall.

The Bold will hit the road for their final two regular season games. They face off against the York Lions once again, at the Tait McKenzie Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. Catch all the action live on OUA.tv.