WBB | Voyageurs Defeat Warriors in Overtime Thriller

In their final home game before the winter break the Laurentian Voyageurs women's basketball team took on the Waterloo Warriors Saturday night at the Ben Avery Gym. 

Laurentian came into the game with a 2-7 record and carried a three game losing streak while their opponents  came to Sudbury with an even 5-5 record going into Saturday night.

With the game off and running the story of the first quarter was Laurentian's foul trouble. It was a frustrating first ten minutes for the Vees as time and time again fouls would get called leading to a total of 17 first quarter free throws for the Warriors. Waterloo would convert on 13 of them, and with these numerous free throws they were able to jump out to a 23-15 lead.

In the second the Vees cleaned up in the foul department. Their defense overall in the second quarter was very strong as they forced Waterloo into some very tough looks as well as 5 turnovers. On the offensive end Emilie Lafond led the way with 6 points in the second as Laurentian would cut the lead down to four going into the second half.

The third quarter was a complete stalemate as the teams matched each other stride for stride all throughout. They exchanged baskets for the majority of the third with neither side being able to go on any sustained run. All this culminated in the lead being the same as what it was going into the second half as Waterloo would still lead by 4 going into the final quarter.

In the fourth the Vees began with a 9-0 run taking the lead for the first time all game before the Warriors battled back with the game staying close all the way to the final minutes. With 33 seconds to go and Laurentian down 2, Lafond once again came up clutch, tying the game with a layup that would end up forcing overtime.

In overtime, Lafond led the Voyageurs once again coming away with another 7 points in the extra frame completing her season high 31 point performance and leading Laurentian to a massive victory at home by a score of 75-70.

Laurentian improves to 3-7 on the season and will wrap up 2024 with an away game Wednesday night in a Highway 17 rivalry game against the Nipissing Lakers in North Bay.

- Andrew Lemieux