KINGSTON (Feb. 19, 2025) – Queen's Women's Basketball opened their 2025 playoff campaign with a hard-fought 61-48 victory over the Waterloo Warriors at the ARC, advancing to the next round of the Critelli Cup playoffs. The Gaels weathered an early second-quarter surge from the Warriors before regaining control behind a strong defensive effort and timely shooting.

Entering the game, Queen's held a 15-1 all-time record against Waterloo and had already secured two wins over the Warriors in the regular season. The matchup was also a rematch of their OUA semifinal meeting two seasons ago, where Queen's claimed a 69-62 victory.

Queen's, back to full health for the playoffs, rolled out a starting five featuring Brooke Hussey and Ally Smith (Kinesiology) at guard, Amy Hagman (Kinesiology) and Mikayla McFarlane (Kinesiology) at forward, and double-double machine Katrina Renon (Arts & Science) at center.

Waterloo struck first with a strong drive to the rim, but Renon quickly responded at the free-throw line, going 2-for-2. The Gaels' defense set the tone early, applying a suffocating zone that forced back-to-back turnovers. Hussey's defensive presence was on display with a steal and a fast-break layup, followed by a sharp cut to the net and a pinpoint assist from Vobia Kalome (Arts & Science). Waterloo called a timeout as Queen's jumped out to a 10-2 lead.

Renon continued her dominant start, draining the first three-pointer of the game before hitting another deep three at the end of the shot clock on the next possession. McFarlane controlled the glass, denying Waterloo second-chance opportunities. By the end of the quarter, Renon had a game-high eight points—matching Waterloo's entire first-quarter output—as Queen's took an 18-8 lead.

Renon opened the scoring for Queen's again with a strong post move inside, but Waterloo found success on the offensive boards, cutting the Gaels' lead to five before head coach Claire Meadows called a timeout. Foul trouble also became a concern, as Hussey picked up a second foul early in the frame.

Waterloo continued its push with an 11-2 run, pulling within two points before Smith knocked down a much-needed three to halt the Warriors' momentum. McFarlane followed with a high-arcing finish off the glass on a feed from Smith, helping Queen's maintain a slim lead.

Out of a late timeout, Hussey attacked the lane for a finger-roll finish, and Bree Bourget (Kinesiology) provided an immediate spark off the bench, draining a three-pointer to put the Gaels ahead 30-25. Hussey capped off the half with another tough drive, sending Queen's into the break with a five-point advantage.

Waterloo came out aggressive to start the second half, forcing Queen's into contested shots. The Warriors capitalized with back-to-back scores, trimming the Gaels' lead to one. Renon responded once again, drawing contact inside and converting at the free-throw line.

With the game tightening, Hagman stepped up, knocking down a deep three and adding a steal on the next possession that led to a transition layup. The Gaels' defensive intensity increased, with McFarlane and Renon altering shots inside. Hussey regained offensive rhythm, scoring on consecutive possessions to extend Queen's lead back to eight.

Smith closed the quarter with a step-back jumper, giving the Gaels a 49-41 lead heading into the final frame.

Waterloo made one last push, cutting the deficit to four early in the quarter, but Renon delivered in crunch time, muscling inside for a bucket and converting a three-point play. Hussey continued to attack, drawing a foul and knocking down both free throws to keep Queen's in control.

McFarlane provided the dagger, scoring off an offensive rebound with just over two minutes remaining, stretching the lead to nine. From there, the Gaels locked in defensively, forcing tough shots and closing out the game at the free-throw line.

Queen's balanced offensive approach saw the team shoot 35.0% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, converting seven three-pointers in the win. The Gaels capitalized on turnovers, scoring 24 points off Waterloo's 20 giveaways, while also excelling at the free-throw line, hitting 75.0% of their attempts. Defensively, Queen's forced the Warriors into tough shots, holding them to 30.6% shooting and just three makes from deep. Despite being narrowly outrebounded 36-35, the Gaels' defensive intensity limited Waterloo's second-chance opportunities while forcing long possessions deep into the shot clock.

Katrina Renon led Queen's with 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists, hitting two crucial three-pointers in the first quarter to spark the offense. Mikayla McFarlane secured a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Brooke Hussey contributed a game-high 17 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

With the victory, Queen's advances to the OUA quarterfinals, where they will face the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Ottawa at 6pm. A win would set up a road semifinal matchup on March 1 against the winner of Windsor vs. Guelph. Catch the Quarterfinal to support you Queen's Gaels on OUA.tv.