By Kyla Pugen

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women’s basketball team capped off a perfect weekend at home on Saturday, securing a 71-62 victory over the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in the 38th annual Darcel Wright Memorial Classic at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC). 

Riding the momentum of a 2-0 record, the Bold entered this matchup after securing wins over the McGill Martlets and defending U Sports champions Saskatchewan Huskies, hoping to finish the job against the Nova Scotia side. 

“This tournament is in memory of Darcel Wright, so we do it for her. Someone who’s paved the way. Someone who’s a legend,” shared fifth-year veteran guard Myriam Kone.

The high-stakes matchup featured coverage on the CBC Sports YouTube channel, broadcast directly by TMU Sports Media students.

For the student-athletes on the floor, getting that level of national visibility was a rare and meaningful thrill, Kone noted, “U Sports Basketball is growing and it’s a great brand to be investing in and I’m really glad that also Women’s Basketball is getting this chance to get put on TV.” 

Third-year forward Hailey Franco DeRyck echoed this sentiment, describing “It feels super cool. It’s a really good opportunity, and I hope opportunities like this can keep on happening, especially here in Canada.”

Feeding off the energetic home crowd and broadcasting to a national audience, the Bold set the pace early. TMU came out firing from the opening tip-off, establishing inside physical play and dynamic floor spacing, resulting in a 20-10 lead to end the opening quarter.

St. Francis looked to respond by making tactical adjustments,  pushing back with a tough, physical style of play. 

Now, the Bold would have to respond to the pressure, looking to stay composed and build there early lead.

Interim head coach Stefanija Mrvaljevic explained that the focus was simply on “reflecting and focusing on the things that we can control.” 

The second quarter proved even, with each team scoring 19 points, as the X-Women looked to break down the Bold lead.

Franco DeRyck noted that  “They’re a really aggressive physical team, and so we were trying to implement that aggression back,” as the defense-minded veteran player looked towards the second half to contain the game’s momentum.

St. Francis continued to slowly creep back into the game, outscoring TMU and bringing the scoreline within ten at 54-46.

The skilled duo of Kone and fourth-year guard Catrina Garvey have proven a lethal combo throughout their careers together, with their proficiency extending into this matchup. The two starters combined for a total of 30 points for the Bold, helping to seal the deal in the final minutes.

In the end, TMU was able to hold on for a 71-62 win, ending their tournament with an undefeated record and a win sheet of highly established programs.

As the pre-season and Darcel Wright Memorial Classic wrap up, the Bold eye the regular season and their Ontario University Athletics title defence.

“This team has so much potential this year, It’s going to take all of us for sure,” said Franco DeRyck. “We learn something new from each team we play, so we’re going to take that on to the real season, and it’s just nice to come out on top.” 

Mrvaljevic emphasized that the primary focus is on long-term growth over the scoreboard: “I think ultimately the important thing now is that we have learning opportunities every single game.”

UP NEXT: The Bold take on the Guelph Gryphons on Oct. 10 at the MAC for their opening game of the regular season. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.