Box Score The McMaster Marauders built a first-quarter lead that would not diminish as the No. 8 Varsity Blues fell 81-72 in OUA women’s basketball action on Friday night (Dec. 2) at Burridge Gym in Hamilton, Ont.

Second-year guard Jill Stratton of Etobicoke, Ont., led all players with 25 points, going 8-for-14 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Fifth-year forward Megan Stoncius (Mississauga, Ont.) had nine points and a team-high six boards, while Orangeville, Ont., native Alicia Van Kampen added eight points in the loss.

The Blues (5-2) got off to a slow start and found themselves down 23-11 after the first quarter.  Toronto attempted to rally but still trailed by 15 (41-26) at halftime.

Despite an early spark from the Blues, the Marauders (4-3) answered back on every basket and maintained a comfortable 65-48 lead heading into the final frame.

U of T chipped away throughout the fourth quarter, eventually outscoring the home team 24-16.  The Blues were able to bring the game within seven with three minutes remaining; however, the Marauders kept the pressure on and maintained the gap until the final buzzer.

Taylor Chiarot led McMaster with 23 points and 10 boards, while Hailey Milligan had 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

The Blues look to rebound tomorrow night (Dec. 3) as they travel to St. Catharines, Ont., to take on the No. 6 Brock Badgers. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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