By Francesco Cautillo

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women’s basketball team opened their preseason record with a win over the McGill University Martlets in the 38th annual Darcel Wright Memorial Classic at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC) on Thursday.

In March, both teams travelled to Quebec City, QC, hoping to leave with a U Sports National title, each entering the tournament as a provincial champion. However, the Carleton University Ravens ended both teams’ campaigns.

McGill fell in the consolation semi-finals, while the Bold conceded the final, with scores of 62-64 and 58-60, respectively. By the end of the tournament, the Bold placed sixth in the national rankings.

At the academic year’s first tip-off, McGill shook off last season’s rust, picked up a collection of buckets and put an untested TMU on their heels.

After one quarter, the Quebec-side led by a narrow 17-15 scoreline. Much to McGill’s frustration, the TMU offence continued to spark, especially from the perimeter.

The veteran all-star duo featuring fifth-year guard Myriam Kone and fourth-year guard Catrina Garvey drove this push. The two were key assets on former head coach Carly Clarke’s Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championship-winning roster and will continue to add their experience under newly appointed head coach Stefanija Mrvaljevic.

With just over four minutes remaining in the first half, the match was even, with both teams playing in mid-season form.

The second half became an opportunity for the Bold as fourth-year forward and former OUA defensive player of the year Hailey Franco DeRyck led the third quarter with rebounding brilliance.

By the end of the quarter, TMU held a lead of over 20 points, allowing them confidence into the final minutes and solidifying their name as potential championship contenders.

The Martlets found a second wind in the final quarter, but it was not enough to match the Bold’s veteran prowess.

TMU went on to secure a 62-55 home-court victory, showing flashes of last year’s form in their 2026-27 preseason opener. 

UP NEXT: The Bold return to the MAC on Oct. 9 to face the reigning U SPORTS national champions, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.