The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team displayed determination on the road versus the York Lions, coming up short in an 83-51 final on Saturday (Feb. 1) night.

The game opened with both teams battling for early momentum, with York gaining an early lead with aggressive defence and efficient shooting. However, the Blues remained steadfast, demonstrating strong defensive efforts and quick transitions to keep the gap close early. Continuously pushing the pace, Toronto's tactic was eventually unable to keep up with the Lions as the home side got hot from behind the three-point line, using 12 made three-pointers to pull away in the end.

The Blues offence was highlighted by fourth-year guard Kaylee Williams, who led the team with nine points, adding four rebounds, two steals, and one assist to round out her stat line. Additionally, second-year guard Raya Hafez contributed a team-high 13 points, while fifth-year forward Thuraya Abdul Hamid recorded 11 points and nine rebounds.

Both Kiara Leveridge and Gabriella Di Pietro reached 20-points for the Lions, with Leveridge registering a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Di Pietro scored 20 points, including five made three-pointers.

The Blues will look to regroup and sharpen their game as they continue a five-game road swing facing the Lakehead Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay, Ont., next weekend. Tip-off in back-to-back games for the pair on Friday (Feb. 7) and Saturday (Feb. 8) is scheduled for 6 p.m. The games will also be streamed on oua.tv.