TORONTO — The No. 3 nationally-ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves during the team's senior night on Saturday, 89-50.

The outcome of the match was never in doubt: the Bold got out to an early lead thanks to their defence, and held it for all four quarters.

That defence, led by a fantastically-executed full-court press, held the Thunderwolves to a ridiculous zero field goals in the first quarter. The Bold forced Lakehead into eight turnovers in the period, and capitalized with 13 points off those mistakes.

"I thought we demonstrated quite a bit of discipline," praised Bold Head Coach Carly Clarke, "Obviously, our scoring got going early, but I think we generated a lot of offence off of our defence and made some good decisions on both ends."

Guards Myriam Kone and Catrina Garvey benefited from their team's defensive efforts, scoring 20 points and snagging three steals each. 

Kone's statline officially secured her season points per game average as the highest in Bold program history at 21.3. In the team's previous game against the Toronto Varsity Blues, Kone earned another impressive achievement by setting the program's record for most points total in a single season with 428.

It was forward Hailey Franco DeRyck who sat above all statistically in the matchup, though, logging an impressive all-around statline of 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists, seven steals (a career-high and the fifth-highest mark in program history), and three blocks. The third-year seemed to be everywhere on the court all at once, skying for rebounds and creating plays in transition.

By halftime, TMU had built up a 26-point lead and the attention of the fans at the Mattamy Athletic Centre began to turn to the team's seniors, who were celebrated by Coach Clarke in a heartwarming ceremony after the match.

Along with multiple student staff, the event acknowledged four graduating players: guard Kait Nichols, guard/forward Zoe Idahosa, and forwards Eternati Willock & Jessica Keripe. 

Willock, who joined the team for her fifth year, has provided a real spark off of the bench for TMU. Her natural understanding of the game is what impressed Clarke the most this season: 

"Making smart decisions," the Coach elaborated, "her ability to pass, her ability to defend, and cover other people's mistakes, and who she is as a teammate as well."

Although Nichols sat out of the match due to injury, Coach Clarke strongly praised her work ethic and intensity. The Child & Youth Care soon-to-be graduate, who has averaged 11.9 points per game this year, has been vital to the Bold on both the offensive and defensive ends.

Amongst the copious commandment of their on-court abilities, Clarke spoke the most highly of Idahosa and Keripe's character:

"They're really passionate and outspoken about a number of really important issues. Specifically, they've helped create a movement around how we celebrate Black History Month and what the department does to support and celebrate our black athletes. I think they were key cogs in initiating those [movements]...the list is truly endless. They're just in touch with what's going on around the world."

Student-athletes like Idahosa and Keripe show how intelligence and integrity can have just as much of an impact on a sports team as on-court production.

"My heart is full, honestly," said Keripe after the game, "I really love playing with this team. I feel like everything has grounded out so well for us this year, and I feel like we have a bright postseason ahead of us."

Although the ceremony was bittersweet, fans may have not seen the last of multiple of the seniors that were celebrated: 

Willock stated that she "might have the opportunity to come back", while Keripe described herself as "really torn between what I want to do". Clarke said she was "cautiously optimistic" when asked about a potential return for Nichols in the 2026-27 season.

The Bold see the court next for the OUA playoffs, taking a much-needed few days to rest after earning a bye past the first round with their impressive 20-2 record. 

Their quarter-final game will take place at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Saturday, February 21st, and students can attend the game for free with their OneCards.