WBB | Laurentian Beats Guelph at Sudbury Arena

The Laurentian women's basketball team bounced back Saturday afternoon after a disappointing loss to the Nipissing Lakers. In a competitive contest, they earned a 79–71 win.

The Voyageurs received a big boost before tip-off as star Emilie Lafond returned after leaving the previous contest with an injury. The first quarter was tightly contested, with the teams trading baskets throughout the frame. Ultimately, the Vees took a slight 17–14 lead into the second quarter.

The Gryphons started the second quarter well, taking a 21–19 lead after a Rain Jhaj three-pointer. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Laurentian's Audrey-Anne Labreche immediately connected on a long ball of her own to restore the lead. Laurentian held the advantage for the remainder of the half, building it to as many as nine points. Another Jhaj three-pointer late in the half trimmed the Vees' lead to four at halftime.

The home side came out quickly in the second half, with Lafond converting an old-fashioned three-point play. Once again, the Gryphons battled back and briefly took the lead midway through the third quarter. Laurentian responded with a strong finish to the frame, carrying a 58–53 lead into the final quarter.

Early three-pointers from Alexia Schryburt and Labreche helped propel the blue and gold in the fourth quarter. Laurentian built the lead to as many as 13 points before settling for an eight-point victory, securing their tenth win of the season.

Claudia Pellerin led the Voyageurs with 27 points and seven rebounds, while Cadence Pecore added 17 points and six rebounds. Guelph's Christina Morra finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to spoil the afternoon for Laurentian.

Laurentian travels to Ontario Tech and Queen's next weekend for its final road trip of the regular season.

- Olly Sankar