Varsity Blues women’s basketball continues to roll in 2009, winning their ninth OUA regular season contest as they downed the host Queen’s Gaels 58-51 on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Queen’s Centre gymnasium in Kingston, Ont.

Tara Kinnear (Kemptville, Ont.) led the way for the Blues with 25 points and nine rebounds on the night, and Nicki Shutz (Toronto) posted another double-double, tallying 12 points and 16 rebounds.

The Blues got off to a great start, outscoring their opponents by 10 to lead 20-10 at the end of the first quarter.

Toronto’s offence lost its edge in the second, scoring just eight points and allowing the Gaels to get themselves back in contention, however, Toronto was able to close out the half with a 28-22 halftime lead.

After the intermission, the Blues pulled away for good with a strong third quarter to regain 13 point advantage, 44-31, heading into the final 10 minutes of play and held off a late Queen’s charge to down the Gaels 58-51.

With the win, the Blues retain sole possession of first place in the OUA East division - two points ahead of second-place Carleton Ravens as they head into the final week of regular season action.

Toronto takes on the third-place Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Ravens at home next weekend, Feb. 6-7 in the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Game time both days is 6 p.m.