Box Score Veteran guard Sherri Pierce recorded a season-high 15 points as the No. 9 Varsity Blues women’s basketball team fell just short of the No. 7 Carleton Ravens, 52-51, on Saturday, January 8 at the Raven’s Nest.

The Blues (7-3) hand over sole possession of first place in the OUA East division to the Ravens (8-2). The loss is Toronto’s second consecutive by a one-point margin after falling to the Ottawa Gee-Gees, 57-56, last night.

Thanks to a pair of late three-pointers from star forward Nicki Schutz, the Blues held a 33-24 lead at halftime; however, Toronto was held to a mere 18 points in the second half. Carleton took the lead with a 19-9 advantage in the third quarter and a low-scoring fourth (9-9) would enable the home team to maintain their lead.

Down 52-51 in the dying seconds, the Blues forced a turnover and gained possession for a chance to win; however, the Ravens shut the door with some tight defence as Blues rookie guard Jill Stratton hit iron at the final buzzer.

Toronto struggled from the free throw line on the night, shooting 60% compared to Carleton's 88%.

Stratton of Etobicoke, Ont., tallied 13 points and three steals, while Schutz added 11 points and a team-high eight boards in the loss.

Carleton was led by Ashleigh Cleary’s 14 points with Kendall MacLeod adding 12 points and nine boards on the night. Alyson Bush also tallied 11 points in the win.

The Varsity Blues return to the court next Friday, January 14 when they travel north to take on their cross-town rival York Lions. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.