The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team kicks off their 2015-16 regular season campaign this Wednesday, November 4 when they travel to take on the Ryerson Rams at Mattamy Athletic Centre.

Toronto returns home the following Wednesday, November 11, hosting the Waterloo Warriors in their 2015 home opener at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport. Advance tickets are on sale here.

Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m., on both nights, with every OUA basketball regular season game slated to be streamed live on OUA.tv.



In her 37th year as Blues bench boss, Michèle Bélanger is excited for the upcoming season.

"With the departure of our leading scorer Jill Stratton, we expect the scoring to be distributed amongst all those that see the court," said Bélanger. "All of our players have the capabilities and talent and know how to create that change." 

Team captains Abena Addo and Alanna Garner will be relied upon to lead the young U of T squad. Together, the duo combined for 11 points per game in 2014-15 and will be called on for their strong play on both the defensive and offensive ends of the court.

Toronto also returns third-year players Rahshida Atkinson, Diedre Edwards, Emily Piccini and Selali Acolatse, who are expected to move into leadership rolls this season.

Atkinson ranked second on the team last season, averaging 7.2 points per game. The 5-foot-9 guard from Scarborough has already showed great improvements, posting 11.5 points over nine pre-season games and earning tournament all-star honours at the 2015 Helen Campbell and Eric Garland Basketball Tournament hosted by UNB.

Similarly, Edwards earned an all-star nod following the Laval tournament two weeks ago and has averaged 7.3 rebounds per contest. Piccini has posted solid numbers throughout the preseason, averaging 10.7 points per game.

 The Blues also expect rookie guards Mahal De La Durantaye and Keyira Parkes to make an immediate impact in 2015-16.

"We are a young team with tremendous talent and athleticism," added Bélanger. "Couple that with key returning athletes that add stability and leadership, and I think we will have the makings for a  successful season."

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