The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team defeated the visiting Algoma Thunderbirds 85-58 on Sunday (Nov. 3) afternoon at Goldring Centre.

The victory marked the first for Dianna Ros as head coach of the Varsity Blues women's basketball program.

"It's fun to get the win, but it is the way we went about it that is what excites us," said Coach Ros. "Today it was about going all out and I think that helped us have a more aggressive mentality. Being able to close it out and show that confidence, knowing this is the style of basketball we want to play."

Algoma was ready to go from tip-off, opening up a quick lead over the Blues courtesy the three-point shot. The Thunderbirds began the contest 6-for-9 from behind the arc in the first quarter. To change the pace of the game, U of T instituted a full court press defence, allowing Toronto to slow down the visitors and inch back into the contest. The uptick in defensive intensity paid off for the Blues as they were able to limit Algoma to just five more made three pointers through the next three quarters. In addition, Toronto attacked the paint securing the advantage in total rebounds (61-38), points in the paint (38-16), and second chance points (28-0).

"Now we have to keep stacking days, that is what we keep talking about every day with the team," said Ros. "Trying to get better every day. It is the process and progress we have been talking about."

Leading the way down low was second-year forward Jade Diwandja Djemba who recorded her first career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Also impressive on the glass, first-year guard Lia Barbieri pulled down eight rebounds to go with 11 points for the Blues. Meanwhile, delivering strong outside shooting, second-year guard Raya Hafez added a game-high 16 points, including four made three-pointers, while fourth-year guard Kaylee Williams chipped in with 11 points and three three-point makes. In total 12 different Blues recorded a point in the win.

For the Thunderbirds, Kaila Fong topped the team with 16 points, while registering five assists, three steals, and three rebounds.

The Varsity Blues have a quick turnaround as they are back in action on Wednesday (Nov. 6) night, hosting the Waterloo Warriors at Goldring Centre. Tip-off I scheduled for 6 p.m. Tickets for the Blues home game are available at varsityblues.ca/tickets, while the game is also streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.