Box Score The No. 6 Varsity Blues women’s basketball team defeated the York Lions 70-59 on Friday, January 28 at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.

With the win, the Blues improve to 12-4 and remain in second-place in the OUA East, while the Lions drop to 5-11 and sit in fifth place.

Rookie guard Jill Stratton of Etobicoke, Ont., tallied a team-high 14 points, 10 of which came in the second half, four assists and two steals to lead the Blues on the night.

Brampton, Ont., native Sherri Pierce recorded 13 points and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line, while Nicki Schutz of Toronto had a double-double of 12 points and 11 boards in the win.

York got out to an early eight-point lead midway through the first quarter and held onto a 13-11 advantage after the first quarter. The Blues rallied led by the rookie trio of Stratton, Julie Longauer and Amanda Lauzon and gained a 28-21 lead at halftime.

The game went back-and-forth from there, with U of T maintaining a solid six-point cushion for the majority of the third. York battled back towards the end and a Kayla Pangos three-pointer would narrow Toronto’s lead to 45-41 heading into the final frame.

The Blues went 11-for-17 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter and nailed two threes to keep the game out of reach.

Brittany Szockyj led all players with 15 points, while Nadia Qahwash recorded 11 and Emily Perras had 10 in the losing cause.

The Varsity Blues return to the floor tomorrow night as they host the Laurentian Lady Vees at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m. Live webcast and stats will be available through varsityblues.ca

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