On Thursday, the Brock women’s basketball team kicked off their season with a strong start, securing a victory on the Guelph Gryphons’ home court. With a new head coach at the helm, the team is poised for a memorable season, and this opening win sets an optimistic tone for what is yet to come.
The Badgers dominated the game from start to finish with a final score of 72-86, maintaining a lead in each quarter and bringing an infectious energy that showed they were ready to play their best. The Gryphons matched their intensity but couldn’t keep pace with the Badgers’ momentum. Despite a strong second quarter where Guelph outscored Brock 26 to 29, they couldn’t close the gap, leaving the Badgers firmly in control.
Fourth-year Badger Madalyn Weinert delivered a standout performance in the season opener, scoring an impressive 24 points, titling herself as the top scorer for the Badgers. Her swift and skillful play set the pace for the team early on in the game.
Oluwatito Akinnusi dominated the boards with an impressive 15 rebounds, achieving the game high and making a significant impact on both ends of the court. Her strong presence in the paint was crucial to the Badgers’ control of the game.
The Badgers clearly outperformed the Gryphons, boasting an impressive 48.6 field goal percentage, nearly reaching the 50 mark, while the Gryphons struggled with a 31.7 field goal rate. This shooting efficiency underscored the Badgers’ command on the court.
The Badgers showcased impressive numbers on the court, revealing a new level of team chemistry that quickly took shape under Coach Shae Dheensaw’s leadership. Earlier this school year, coach Dheensaw shared in an interview with The Brock Press, her vision for the team extends beyond simply racking up wins. She emphasized that her focus lies in instilling core values and achieving meaningful, statistical goals that reflect growth, resilience and teamwork. Thursday’s game against the Gryphons showed that Dheensaw is already delivering on her promise as the Badgers embodied this philosophy through their disciplined play and spirit.
Although the game never turned into a nail-biter, it’s worth noting that if the Gryphons had matched their energy from the last three quarters right from the start, they might have been able to close the 14-point gap seen in the final score. Their delayed momentum gave the Badgers an early advantage that set the tone for the rest of the game.
As a result, the atmosphere for the Gryphons lacked energy with fewer cheers and excitement from the crowd. While students celebrated each basket, the early dominance by the Badgers seemed to dampen the Gryphon’s spirits, leaving everyone with limited hope — especially given the game’s challenging start.
This season-opening victory for the Badgers highlights their disciplined play and commitment to growth compared to last year. If they continue building on this early success, the Badgers are set for a successful season, not only in the win column but also in their journey as a united team.