WBB | Laurentian Outlasts Late Western Rally to Win Opener

The Laurentian women's basketball team tipped off their season at home against the Western Mustangs. Despite a strong fourth-quarter comeback from the visitors, the Voyageurs held firm for a 78–72 victory.

In the opening quarter, the Voyageurs twice built a six-point lead, but the Mustangs closed on an 11–4 run to take a narrow one-point advantage into the second. The tight play continued through the quarter, though a late 7–1 Laurentian surge gave the home side a 38–34 edge at
halftime. Claudia Pellerin and Emilie Lafond combined for 25 of the Vees' points in the first half. 

The momentum carried into the third quarter, as Laurentian outscored Western 13–2 in the opening five minutes to extend the lead to 15. The Mustangs, however, clawed back into contention behind a Paris Alexander three-pointer that trimmed the margin to 11 heading into
the fourth. Early in the final frame, an Alexia Schryburt layup stretched the Voyageurs' lead to 14, but Western stormed back with a 17–2 run to grab a 72–71 lead with just over a minute remaining. Pellerin quickly answered with a go-ahead layup to restore Laurentian's advantage, and Schryburt added two more points on the following possession to make it a three-point game. 

The Vees' defense held strong down the stretch, sealing the win with clutch free throws. Pellerin and Lafond were outstanding, scoring 26 and 25 points respectively in the season-opening victory. Four Mustangs scored double digits but it ultimately wasn't enough.

The Voyageurs continue their opening weekend Saturday when they host Windsor.

- Olly Sankar