Lindsay Druery sank 16 points in Friday, leading the Lakehead Thunderwolves to a second-half opening 74-58 win over the visiting Western Mustangs.
The Wolves (5-4), who took a 16-point lead into the half, got 14 points and nine rebounds from Carolyn Fragale and 10 points and six boards from Lacey McNulty.
Jenny Vaughn topped the Mustangs (3-6) with a game-high 18 points.
The two clubs will duke it out again on Saturday night, a repeat performance at the Thunderdome.