The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team continued their 2009 hot streak with a 75-71 win over the Queen’s Gaels on Friday, January 16 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

Queen’s came out flat and Toronto took full advantage, building a 19-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Gaels rallied in the second, led by Alaina Porter’s (Burlington, Ont.) nine points to outscore the Blues 22-20. However, Toronto forward Erin McNeely (Kingston, Ont.) kept her squad going with her ten-point performance and with three seconds left, drained a three-pointer to give the Blues a 39-33 lead at the half.

Porter again led the Gaels in the third quarter and with less than a minute to go, Queen’s took their first lead of the game. The Blues trailed 57-52 going into the final quarter.

Toronto got their act together and finished strong. With only seconds left on the clock and the Blues up by two, Sherri Pierce (Brampton, Ont.) sealed the deal with two free throws to bring the game to an end.

Blues player of the game Alaine Hutton (Hamilton, Ont.) and Nicki Schutz (Toronto) both put forth a valiant effort, combining for 17 points in the last quarter to secure the 75-71 win.

Schutz tallied 23 points and six boards with Hutton adding 20 points and five steals in the victory.

Brittany Moore (Hannon, Ont.) also had 23 points and six boards for Queen’s, while Porter (Burlington, Ont.) recorded a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, Toronto extends their winning streak to three and is tied with the Carleton Ravens for first place in the OUA East division.

The Varsity Blues host the RMC Paladins tomorrow night at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.