(FREDERICTON, NB) - The Lakehead University Thunderwolves beat the Dalhousie Tigers 77-59, in the first game of the University of New Brunswick's annual Helen Campbell Tournament.

Katelyn Zen (North Bay, ON) scored 15 points to lead the Thunderwolves, playing their first exhibition game of the season.

"It was a good first game," said Zen. "We've had some intra-squad scrimmages, but that was the first time we've played as a team. It was exciting."

Megan Thompson (Brantford, ON) scored a game high 18 points for Dal.

The Thunderwolves raced out to a 15 point half-time lead, but allowed the Tigers to bounce back in the third quarter.

Dal even led briefly, 51-50, before Lakehead pulled away for good.

Lakehead outscored the Tigers 21-8 in the fourth quarter.

"We definitely didn't block out, that's for sure," said Zen, of the Thunderwolves third quarter play. "They got a ton of offensive rebounds and second put-backs, so that really killed us."

"They were beating us off the dribble and creating issues with that, we got them to the free throw line quite a bit in the third quarter," said Thunderwolves head coach Jon Kreiner, a UNB alum.

Tigers coach Anna Stammberger was glad to see her team's third quarter effort.

"We defended a lot better," said Stammberger. "We just finally got on the same page and in sync."

Stammberger admits her team is young, and the weekend tournament will allow the Tigers to find themselves.

Lakehead is dealing with injuries, but Kreiner feels the win could serve as inspiration.

"It was a nice team situation where the team stepped up and they should be happy that they stepped up without their leader and one of their captains."

Next up for Dalhousie, on Saturday, the Bishop's Gaiters.

The Thunderwolves will take on the host UNB Varsity Reds.

RECAP AND PHOTOS BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics