HAMILTON, Ont. -- A strong start and an even stronger finish weren't enough to help the Lakehead Thunderwolves women's basketball team open the 2021-22 campaign in winning fashion.
The Thunderwolves led by three after one quarter, but trailed by seven at the half and fell 74-65 to the McMaster Marauders on Friday night, a tough loss plagued by rebounding woes, particularly on the offensive glass.
Sofia Lluch led Lakehead with 18 points on the night, one of four players in double digits. Rookie Eva Guillera had 12 points and six rebounds in her debut, while fellow freshman Ally Burke finished with 11 points and three assists in her first OUA action.
They were no match for McMaster's Sarah Gates, who topped all scorers with 32 points, including five three-pointers.
The Marauders out-scored the Thunderwolves by a combine 44-23 in the second an third quarters.
Lakehead and McMaster will tangle again on Saturday night, tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m.
