The Algoma Thunderbirds women's basketball team wrapped up a demanding weekend of OUA action with home and road contests against McMaster and Guelph on February 6 and 8. While the results didn't fall in Algoma's favour, the Thunderbirds continued to battled hard and showcased individual performances throughout both games.
Friday, February 6th – McMaster 85, Algoma 40
George Leach Centre, Sault Ste. Marie
Algoma opened the weekend at home against McMaster, competing hard despite facing a deep and experienced opponent. The Thunderbirds showed energy early and fought through all four quarters.
Sadie Grawbarger led Algoma offensively, finishing with a team-high 15 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, while also adding six rebounds. Elia Galdos made her presence felt inside with nine points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, providing solid interior defense.
Riya Donnelly contributed seven points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers, while Taylor Randall and Ryan Zimmer added points off the bench. Algoma worked the glass throughout the night, with the team collecting 31 rebounds, highlighted by Galdos and Grawbarger's efforts.
Despite the final score, the Thunderbirds showed flashes of strong defensive play and continued to compete until the final buzzer in front of the home crowd.
Sunday, February 8th – Guelph 94, Algoma 55
GGAC, Guelph
Two days later, Algoma faced a strong Guelph squad on the road. The Thunderbirds came out with confidence, scoring 19 points in the opening quarter, their highest-scoring quarter of the weekend.
Brooke Gruhn delivered a standout performance, leading all Algoma scorers with 19 points, including four three-pointers, while playing the full 40 minutes. Sadie Grawbarger followed with 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists, continuing to contribute across multiple areas of the game.
Off the bench, Annabelle Lefebvre provided a spark with eight points, while Taylor Randall chipped in seven points and a block. Elia Galdos added five rebounds and a block, and Mercedes Mazzuca contributed with assists and defensive pressure.
Algoma finished the game with 31 rebounds and 13 assists, moving the ball effectively and continuing to push the pace despite the challenge posed by the hosts.
Looking Ahead
While the weekend tested the Thunderbirds against strong opponents, Algoma showed determination, flashes of offensive rhythm, and continued development across the lineup. With consistent contributions from both starters and bench players, the Thunderbirds remain focused on growth and carrying positive attitude forward as the season continues. This upcoming weekend the Thunderbirds play their last regular season games on the road where they play Western Mustangs on Friday, February 13th at 6:00 pm and the Windsor Lancers on Saturday, February 14th also at 6:00 pm. Both games will be live streamed on OUA tv.
