This Saturday evening, the Waterloo Warriors kicked off their pre-season with an exciting match up against the Bishop's Gaiters from Sherbrooke, Quebec. With both teams having stellar seasons last year, anticipation ran high as fans gathered to witness the opening of the Warriors pre-season.

The Gaiters set the tone early, scoring first with an impressive dunk. However, the Warriors quickly responded, showcasing their energy with a three-pointer from Isaiah McRae (burlington). Throughout the first quarter, Kiran Chadwick-Rupp (Victoria) and McRae formed a strong tandem, generating scoring opportunities with smooth passing. Despite their efforts, the Gaiters held a slight edge, finishing the quarter ahead 23-17.

As the second quarter unfolded, the Warriors tightened their defense, helping keep the game within reach. McCrae continued to shine, beating the shot clock on multiple occasions to secure crucial baskets. Rafael Llorin (Cambridge) controlled the pace of the game, assisting the Warriors in capturing possession during pivotal moments. Despite their efforts, the Gaiters maintained their lead, heading into halftime with a score of 44-32.

In the third quarter, both teams brought elevated intensity. The Warriors adjusted their offensive strategy, driving to the basket and finding open shots. The Warriors fought hard to close the gap, but the Gaiters held their composure and maintained an advantage as they entered the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw the Gaiters come out strong, quickly extending their lead with aggressive offense. They played well, capitalizing on mistakes made by the Warriors. The Gaiters defense proved to be a formidable barrier, making it challenging for Waterloo to score.

The game concluded with the Gaiters securing a decisive victory of 89-72, leaving the Warriors with valuable lessons to build on into their next game. Up next, the Warriors will be traveling on Wednesday, October 2nd, to face off against the Humber Hawks.