The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s basketball team got back in the win column, defeating the York Lions 67-53 on Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Tait McKenzie Centre. 

The Blues run their regular-season record to 7-10 and end their two-game losing streak, while the Lions fall to a record of 2-14 and are second last in the OUA East division. 

Varsity’s leading scorer Nicki Shutz of Toronto led the Blues once again, scoring 24 points to lead all players and hauling in a game-high 11 rebounds. She is currently second in the CIS in rebounding with 10.9 boards per game as well as fourth in the OUA with 17.81 points per game. 

The Blues jumped out of the gate early and outscored their cross-town rivals 22-11 in the first quarter. They extended that lead in the second and went into halftime with a comfortable 11-point lead, 39-27. 

The Lions kept things close in the second half with each team scoring 15 in the third. Varsity kept their foes at bay in the final frame to hold on for the crucial road victory. 

Kingston, Ont. native Erin McNeely played significant minutes for Toronto, tallying 12 points, grabbing eight boards and dishing out three assists. 

York was led by Nadia Qahwash (Kitchener, Ont.) and Brittany Szockyj (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.) who knocked down 13 and 11 points, respectively. 

The Blues are back on the court next Friday, Jan. 29 when they head to the nation’s capital to take on the Carleton Ravens. Game time is set 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.