The University of Toronto Varsity Blues (6-5) blew a 16-point first quarter lead but held on to defeat the host Carleton University Ravens (6-4), 64-57, in their first in OUA regular season action of 2009.

The win puts the Blues in a four-way tie for first place in the OUA East division with 12 points. Toronto will play their second game in as many nights tomorrow (Jan. 10) against the Ottawa Gee-Gees, whom also have a share of the division lead.

The Varsity Blues jumped out of the gate quickly in the first quarter, outscoring the Ravens by 16-points, taking a commanding 22-6 lead.

Carleton started to mount its comeback through the second quarter and trailed by only seven points (34-27) at the end of the first half.

Heading into the final frame the Ravens had clawed their way back into this match and tied the game at 45. Toronto found themselves now trailing by four early in the fourth quarter and with under minutes to play in regulation, and down by three, went on a 14-4 run to close out the game and win by seven.

Fourth-year guard Alaine Hutton (Hamilton, Ont.) and Nicki Schutz (Toronto) led the Blues with 19-points each. Schutz also hauled in a game-high 10 rebounds for her sixth double-double of the season. Brampton-native Sherri Pierce was the third Blues player to hit double figures, tallying 12 points.

The Ravens were led by Ines Jelic’s (London, Ont.) 14-point performance. Kelly Killoran (Sarnia, Ont.) added 12-points, while Alyson Bush (Ottawa) and Kendall MacLeod (Brockville, Ont.) chipped in with 10-points each.

Toronto 22 12 11 19 = 64
Carleton 6 11 18 12 = 57