The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team defeated the Waterloo Warriors 77-39 on Saturday, November 7 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

Varsity Blues player of the game Joanna Medri (Toronto, Ont.) and Nikki Schutz (Toronto, Ont.) were the high scorers for Toronto with 12 and 14 points, respectively.

Toronto got off to a slow start, while Warriors guard Stephanie Shea (Vancouver, B.C.) scored eight first-quarter points to gain a slight advantage with a minute remaining. Blues fourth-year guard Erin McNeely (Kingston, Ont.) tied the game up and first-year forward Haley Max-Lino (Ottawa, Ont.) scored an additional three points to give U of T a narrow 15-12 lead heading into the second quarter.

Erin Tilley (Oakville, Ont.) opened the second with a three-pointer for the Warriors to even the score for the last time. Toronto responded with an impressive 16-4 run, however, the Warriors caught up to narrow the gap to six points (34-27) at halftime.

First-year forward Alicia Van Kampen (Orangeville, Ont.) and McNeely both flooded the Warriors with shots in the third quarter. Schutz and Medri never let up, repeatedly stealing the ball from Waterloo to increase the gap even further. Amanda Lum (Markham, Ont.), Emily Larson (Calgary, Alta.) and Katelyn McConnell (Whitby, Ont.) also raked in four points each as Toronto headed into the final frame with a commanding 60-38 lead.

U of T completely dominated the fourth quarter, holding the Warriors to a mere point. The Toronto trio of Van Kampen, McNeely and Tania Meunier (St. Albert, Alta.) combined for 14 of Toronto’s 17 fourth-quarter points as the Blues walked away with the 77-39 victory.

Shea led the Warriors with 10 points on the night.

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team return to the court on Friday, November 15 as they travel to Hamilton, Ont. to take on the McMaster Marauders. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.