Box Score Fifth-year forward Nicki Schutz recorded her 1000th CIS regular season point as the Varsity Blues women’s basketball team handily defeated the Ryerson Rams 74-51 in their 2010-11 season opener on Saturday, October 30 at Kerr Hall.

Schutz was seven points away from the 1000 mark before tonight. The Toronto native tallied 236 points over two seasons with the Winnipeg Wesmen from 2005-07. Since joining the Varsity Blues in 2008, Schutz had totalled 757 points and earned her 1000th regular season career point on a free throw towards the end of the third quarter.

Fifth-year guard Erin McNeely of Kingston, Ont., led the Blues with 13 points, while Schutz recorded her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 boards. Rookie forward Julia Longauer of Whitby, Ont., had nine points, while Sherri Pierce, Liane Bailey and Amanda Lauzon each tallied eight in the win.

Ryerson was led by Ashley McDonald’s game-high 14 points, while Kelsey Wright chipped in with 12 in the loss.

The Varsity Blues got out to an 18-10 lead after the first quarter and didn’t look back. Ryerson was only able to outscore Toronto through the second but it wasn’t enough as the Blues maintained a 30-25 advantage at halftime.

U of T went on to dominate the second half, 44-26, to secure the dominant victory.

The Varsity Blues return to the court next Friday, November 5 when they host the Lakehead Thunderwolves in their 2010-11 home opener at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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