The Brock Badgers women’s basketball team fought valiantly in a high-stakes matchup against the Queen’s Gaels on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Queen’s Athletic and Recreation Centre.
Despite an impressive performance, the Badgers fell just short, losing 63-59 in a game full of intensity and competition.
Angeline Campbell led the scoring effort for Brock with an outstanding 23-point performance. Madalyn Weinert delivered an equally remarkable showing, scoring 21 points and dominating the boards with a game-high 15 rebounds. The duo’s efforts kept the Badgers competitive until the final minutes of the game.
The game began on a strong note for Brock as they closed out the first quarter with a narrow 15-12 lead. Playing with precision, the team maintained control of the scoreboard throughout the opening period, never trailing. Weinert’s offensive spark continued in the second quarter, where she tallied 12 points to help the Badgers secure a slim 29-27 lead heading into halftime.
Brock capitalized on opportunities in the first half, covering 11 of 15 free throws and maintaining a strong defensive presence. Their momentum carried into the third quarter, where Campbell took charge with an electric 12-point surge. The Badgers built a 48-38 lead by the end of the quarter, seemingly positioning themselves for a road victory.
However, the fourth quarter proved to be the running point of the game. The Queen’s Gaels stormed back with a dominant 25-point effort in the final part of the game, flipping the script and outpacing Brock’s 11 points in the quarter. The Gaels’ late-game push was fueled by efficient shooting, connecting 42.2 per cent of their field goal attempts throughout the game compared to Brock’s 33.3 per cent.
Despite the loss, the Badgers’ performance stood out. Campbell and Weinert’s contributions showcased the team’s competitive spirit and ability to contend with top-tier opponents in the OUA.
Looking ahead, the Badgers return to the Bob Davis Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 31, to face the Lakehead Thunderwolves. The matchup marks the beginning of a three-game homestand, offering Brock an opportunity to regroup and gain momentum in front of their home crowd. The Badgers played the Thunderwolves last in January 2024 and surrendered a 77-72 defeat, which they hope to avenge during their next match.
Although Saturday’s game was disappointing, the Badgers’ performance showcased their ongoing determination as the season progresses. Brock still has every reason to remain optimistic about their path forward in OUA competition, as this is only their fifth loss out of 16 games.