By Rowan Halpenny – Contributor

On Saturday, Sept. 23, the Gaiters men’s and women’s basketball teams traveled to Brockville, Ont. for a doubleheader matchup against the Guelph Gryphons. Promoted as “The Battle of the St. Lawrence”, the event was a huge success and drew large crowds for both games. The event was organized by the local Brockville Blazers organization, and many young hoopers had the chance to partake in high level USPORTS preseason action. 

The women tipped off in the first of the two games. Their team graduated four key starters from their powerhouse team last year, and this game was the first of the season with a very different lineup. There will be many different players taking new, and more important roles this season. Before the game, Gaiters’ rookie Kyla Perkins was given a special shout-out in front of her home crowd, as she is a Brockville Blazer alum.

Due to multiple injuries, Bishop’s was short handed, and ultimately dropped a tight battle 73-63. As a defensive battle, the game stayed close for the majority of the time. Guelph’s ability to make shots at key times ultimately pushed them to victory.

Third year forward Victoria Guana was a bright spot for the Gaiters, scoring a game high 21 points. She can score the ball well in different ways, and is also a capable defender. Marianne Boithias, a rookie from France, had a strong debut, scoring 10 points of her own. The Gaiters will be back in action when they take on the University of Ottawa in Mitchell Gymnasium on Oct. 5. 

On the men’s side, the Gaiters started their preseason with an 89-83 win. Bishop’s often had leads that ballooned to twenty points, but their inability to shut the door on a gritty Guelph team led to the game ending closer than it could have. Third year forward Charles-Andre Robert netted a team high 23 points and gave the Gaiters huge boosts on both sides of the floor. His fellow front court partner and reigning Bishop’s Rookie of the Year Etienne Gagnon contributed 17 points as well. Stalwart guard Carl Dubois scored a career high 19 points while performing his usual outstanding job on the defensive end.

The Gaiters’ game plan was to take advantage of their stature as often as possible, and it paid off. Guelph did not have the size or strength to slow down the men’s powerful frames. Next, the Gaiters travel to Victoria, B.C. on the last weekend of September to play three more preseason games.