TORONTO — After a dominant regular season, the No. 3 nationally ranked Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team enters the OUA postseason, starting with a matchup against the Western Mustangs on Saturday, February 21 at 4 p.m.

This time, however, they're hoping that history doesn't repeat itself. For the past three years, TMU has fallen short in the OUA semifinals. 

"I know for me, particularly and along with some of my teammates, like Hailey, Alex and Kait we all really carry a chip on our shoulder from the last two losses in semis. We let that light a fire under us and having us all on the same page like that really pushes us every day to be at our best and connect with each other," said Catrina Garvey.

Bolstered by impactful new additions alongside a seasoned core of third and fourth-year veterans, the Bold believe this season could unfold differently. 

TMU finished the regular season 20–2, earning a first-round bye and a spot in the OUA quarterfinals.

Depth is one of the team's biggest strengths. Alongside their veteran leaders, the Bold have a balanced roster and a bench filled with talented first and second-year players ready to contribute.

Two players in particular, Myriam Kone and Hailey Franco DeRyck, have delivered standout seasons, ranking among the province's best players.

Kone, who transferred from the Calgary Dinos this season, has already made an immediate mark with the Bold. She sits third in the OUA for points per game, averaging 21.3, and third for steals with 67. 

Her offensive dominance, leadership presence and wealth of experience have elevated the Bold this season. The point guard has spoken about her connection with head coach Carly Clarke and how she strives to serve as an extension of her on the court. 

Third-year forward Franco DeRyck continues to build a record-breaking basketball resume with the Bold. This season, she is averaging 12.9 rebounds per game and has recorded 44 blocks, both second in the OUA for those respective categories. Additionally, she recently recorded a career-high 23 rebounds in a single game, surpassing her own program record at TMU.

Offensively, she has been equally as efficient, posting the fourth-highest field goal percentage in the OUA at 50.6 per cent.

2023-24 USports and OUA Rookie of the Year Garvey remains another crucial piece of the puzzle. Now in her third year at TMU, the guard brings valuable experience in the blue and gold and continues to elevate her game each season. Her shooting consistency has climbed steadily and she's averaging 16.1 points per game this year.

Other key contributors are fourth-year Jessica Keripe, Kait Nichols and Zoe Idahosa, along with fifth-year addition Eternati Willock, who are eager for one more opportunity to capture the Critelli Cup.

Younger contributors, including first-year standout Ella McDonald, have also added energy to the lineup heading into the postseason.

In their first playoff test, the Bold will face the Western Mustangs in the OUA quarterfinals this Saturday, Feb. 21st. 

Western was one of two teams to defeat TMU during the regular season, in a nail-biting 90-88 loss. The Bold will have to keep their eye on Western's Sydney Cowan, who gave them trouble in their previous contest. 

The Mustangs enter the quarterfinals following a 14-8 regular season. They defeated the University of Ottawa Gee Gees in the first round and will now make their way to the Mattamy Athletic Centre for Saturday's quarterfinal.

"I feel like we feel really ready about whoever we're going to play and we're at home, it's going to be a great, fun game," said Kone. 

In preparation for the matchup, Garvey said the team is focused on what they can control, "Regardless, at the end of the day as a team, we want to continue to grow and get better together."

Over the course of the regular season, Coach Clarke has emphasized a game-to-game mentality within the team's culture.

Kone believes that mindset will provide an edge in the postseason, "You start thinking too far ahead and you can start planning too far ahead. We still have to win this game to get there."

Defensive culture has also become a cornerstone for the Bold and will be crucial in containing the Mustangs' electric offence.

"We all know the common saying that defence wins games and for our team that's something we strive for and it is truly a part of our identity," said Garvey. "So when in doubt our team will always rely on our defence."

It all comes down to Saturday at 4 p.m., the Bold ready to fight their way to the OUA championship game. TMU students can attend the game for free with their OneCards. Fans and alumni can purchase tickets here.

"A lot of it falls in our hands and I can just tell everybody, the whole group, we want it bad," said Kone.