WBB | Laurentian Beats Lakehead for Third Straight Victory

The Laurentian Voyageurs women's basketball team travelled to Thunder Bay looking to extend their win streak, and after a tightly contested battle, emerged with a 77–70 victory over the Lakehead Thunderwolves.

Laurentian came out firing, jumping out to a 9–0 lead midway through the opening quarter. That momentum was short-lived, as Lakehead responded with a 19–10 run to close the quarter and tie the game.

The second quarter remained evenly matched. Laurentian held a slim 31–29 advantage with just over four minutes remaining before quickly stretching the lead to eight. A Cadence Pecore three-pointer followed by an Emilie Lafond old-fashioned three-point play gave the Voyageurs some breathing room. Once again, the Thunderwolves answered back, as a late three from Sara Clouthier cut the deficit to three heading into halftime.

The physical play continued into the third quarter, with neither team able to gain separation. Lakehead narrowly outscored Laurentian 19–16 in the frame, knotting the game at 55 entering the final quarter.

The Voyageurs opened the fourth on a 6–0 run as the Thunderwolves went cold from the field. Later in the quarter, Lafond converted another old-fashioned three-point play to give Laurentian a 66–57 lead. Lakehead refused to go away, and Allison Read drilled a three with 20 seconds remaining to bring the home side within two. Clutch free throws from Molly Adams, however, sealed the win for Laurentian.

With Claudia Pellerin sidelined, Emilie Lafond delivered her best performance of the season, pouring in 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the Voyageurs to their ninth win. Cadence Pecore also made an impact in her return from injury, scoring 12 points off the bench.

Laurentian will look to keep rolling with a midweek home matchup against rival Nipissing.

- Olly Sankar