W-BASKETBALL ROUNDUP: Playoff picture coming right down to the wire
Ottawa Gee-Gees @ Queen’s Gaels
The Gee-Gees women’s basketball team recorded their sixteenth victory of the regular season in convincing fashion on the road against the fourth place Queen’s Gaels. 16 marks the highest win total for the team since the 15 regular season wins they posted in 2008-09 in head coach Andy Sparks’ first season with the team.
Hannah Sunley-Paisley (Toronto, Ont.) racked up 26 points to lead all scorers. Jenna Gilbert (Ottawa, Ont.) buried 19, including four from behind the arc. Émilie Cyr (Montréal, Ont.) had seven points off the bench. The Gee-Gees held Brittany Moore, the OUA’s second highest scorer, to only 12 points on the night.
The Carleton University Ravens women’s basketball team soared past the RMC Paladins on the road Friday night, winning 77-48 in OUA East division action.
The Ravens outscored the Paladins 23-7 in the first. RMC attempted to make a comeback in the second quarter, only for Carleton’s defence to force several missed shots. The Ravens held a 36-19 lead at half.
Carleton continued to dominate in the remaining quarters, not letting the Paladins back in the game.
The Ravens now boast a 14-5 record, four points back of Ottawa in the OUA East standings and two points ahead of the Toronto Varsity Blues.
Source: Ravens Athletics
TORONTO- Ashley MacDonald tallied 17 points while Angela Tilk picked up 12, and the Ryerson Rams women's basketball team were able to shake off a forgettable first three quarters to regroup and get by the York Lions 49-40 at Kerr Hall Gym on Friday night.
"We just didn't play well," he stated. "What's positive is that it's a learning experience. We didn't' play well but were able to battle through and get the win. Sometimes it's about going back to the drawing board and reminding yourself that it's a process. One game doesn't define our season, and we have a long way to go."
The Lions helped out their southern city counterparts, shooting 31% and a dismal 8% from beyond the arc while turning over the ball 25 times in the game. They also made just half their foul shots (5-of-10), while Ryerson was 32% from the field and committed 19 turnovers in the game.
Two three-pointers from MacDonald (Port Colborne, Ont.) helped the Rams build a 14-4 advantage in the first six minutes of the contest. Both teams dried up offensively in the second part of the quarter, but a surprise 7-0 run by the Lions in the last minute pulled them within three at the end of the first.
Llyandra Kerr extended the streak to nine to open the second, and Haley Finn hit a jumper to give York its first lead of the contest. After another two points from the Lions, Kissi called a timeout to try and instill some energy back in the women, who looked flat following a quick start.
But two turnovers in a row coming out of the timeout led to a couple of more York points, and Ryerson could not generate anything through most of the second. Alexandrea Tkaczyk's (Cambridge, Ont.) basket at 3:02 of the period brought an end to an eight-minute slump for the women, in which York tallied 16 straight-points.
A sloppy first half in which the squads combined for 25 turnovers finally came to a close with the visitors holding a 25-22 lead. Kerr had a half-high eight points for the Lions, while MacDonald and Dayana Gechkova (Sofia, Bulgaria) chipped in six each for the Rams, who did not get to the foul-line once throughout the first two quarters.
Brittany Szockyi hit two straight jump-shots to extend the lead slightly halfway through the third quarter, and the Rams finally got to the line when Tilk (Welland, Ont.) got fouled at the 4:03 mark. They would hit three-of-four free throws in the period, but both York and Ryerson continued to struggle offensively, neither side managing to reach double-digits in the third.
York maintained a 34-31 lead heading into the final quarter, where Kelsey Wright (Brampton, Ont.) pulled the women within one on two made free-throws. Ryerson forced five-straight turnovers by the Lions, but squandered all those opportunities to overtake the Lions early in the fourth.
Kerr extended the lead to three once again midway through the quarter, but moments later Tilk was able to even the contest at 36-36 after MacDonald hit 1-of-2 free throws seconds earlier. MacDonald connected on her first three since the opening quarter after another York turnover, putting the women ahead as the Lions called timeout.
Wright fouled out at the 2:42 mark while going for the steal off a York throw-in. However, Tilk drained a lay-up, and MacDonald followed that up with two free throws to put the Rams up by seven with a minute to play.
Source: Rams Athletics
Third-year forward Amanda Lauzon recorded a career-high 16 points in leading the Varsity Blues women’s basketball team to a 69-51 win over the Laurentian Lady Vees in the fifth annual Cheer Blue, Think Pink game on Friday night (Feb. 10) at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.
A native of Niagara Falls, Ont., Lauzon added six rebounds and two steals to her game-high performance. Both Joanna Medri and Megan Stoncius added 12 points, while Jill Stratton had nine in the victory.
The win lifts Toronto to a 13-6 record as they remain in third place in the East division, two points behind the Carleton Ravens (14-5).
The Blues got out to a 17-7 lead but the visiting Lady Vees battled back and brought the game within three (18-15) after the first quarter. Toronto held Laurentian to just 10 points in the second and held a 36-25 lead at the midway point of the game.
The Blues extended their lead for good in the third, dominating the Lady Vees 17-5 to take a 23-point (53-30) lead into the final frame. Toronto’s bench continued to impress in the fourth, scoring 16 points to secure their 13th win of the season.
Emma Decloe led the Lady Vees with 13 points, while Danielle Harris had 11 in the loss.
Source: Varsity Blues Athletics
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University women's basketball team (13-7 OUA) defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves by the score of 77-70 in overtime Friday night at the Bob Davis Gymnasium. This was the program's 600th victory in school history.
In overtime, the Badgers would outscore the Thunderwolves 9-2, with senior Tara Giallonardo (Fonthill, Ont.) knocking down a clutch three-pointer with 2:18 remaining and the team going 6-for-8 from the free throw line.
Brock had five players in double digits led by junior Nicole Rosenkranz (Niagara Falls, Ont.) who recorded her ninth double-double of the season finishing with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Giallonardo and senior Emily McKay (Toronto, Ont.) contributed with 11 points each. Andrea Polischuk (Brantford, Ont.) added 10 points and a season-high eight rebounds. Freshman Kayla Santilli (Brantford, Ont.) chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds in the victory.
Leading the Thunderwolves was Carolyn Fragale who finished with a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds for the double-double. Senior Lindsay Druery also contributed with the double-double adding 17 points and 14 boards. Kelsey Bardsley rounded out the Lakehead leaders adding 19 points in the loss.
The Badgers shot 37.1% (26-for-70) from the field and 54.5% (6-for-11) from beyond the arc. Lakehead shot 37.7% (26-for-69) from the field and 26.9% (7-for-26) from three-point range.
Source: Badgers Athletics
WATERLOO, Ont. – The Western Mustangs women’s basketball team came through with a 75-64 victory over the Waterloo Warriors Saturday afternoon in what may well have been a must-win game as they continue their push for an OUA playoff spot.
It took a fourth-quarter surge to get the job done Saturday, as the 1-19 Warriors actually held a two-point lead with under eight minutes left in the contest. But Laura Dally’s three-pointer began a 15-3 run for the Mustangs, who never looked back en route to improving their record to 10-10 on the season. The Western women are now tied for fourth place in the OUA West with two games remaining. There are still seven teams in the hunt for the six playoff spots.
Waterloo held a three-point lead after the first quarter Saturday, but Western outscored the home team 21-10 in the second to take a 35-27 lead at halftime. The Warriors pulled that to within four after three quarters and then regained the lead two minutes into the fourth, but the Mustangs rallied to capture the crucial win.
Dally finished with a game-high 21 points Saturday on 6-of-14 shooting. Jenny Vaughan went 5-for-17 from the field and finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Katelyn Leddy had 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds and three blocks.
Kate Kuntze was the only Warrior to finish in double-digits, scoring 11 points to go along with a game-high 15 rebounds and four steals.
The Mustangs shot 36.1% overall Saturday, while the Warriors were 32.9%. The Western women were solid from the free throw line, finishing at 85.7% (24-for-28). Waterloo outrebounded Western 46-36.
The Mustangs (10-10) return home this Wednesday, Feb. 15, for another big game – this time against the McMaster Marauders (10-10). Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at Alumni Hall.
Source: Mustangs Athletics
The Guelph Gryphon women’s basketball team defeated the McMaster Marauders 76-68 this afternoon (Feb. 11) in Guelph at the W.F. Mitchell Centre.
The Gryphons move to 9-11 while the Marauders drop to 10-10 in the OUA West.
Gryphon guard Ali Dzikowski (Brantford, ON) has gone through a number of ups and downs throughout her university career, overcoming numerous injuries to continue her career at the University of Guelph. In her final home game as a Gryphon, along with graduating seniors Samantha Russell (Paradise Valley, AZ) and Jasmine Douglas (Guelph, ON), a total team effort proved to be too much for McMaster and the girls were able to leave the W.F. Mitchell Centre one last time with a win.
Dzikowski led the way for the Gryphon’s, nailing five three pointers and scoring 18 points to go with 11 rebounds. Marlee Freeman (Orillia, ON) had one of her best games to date, notching 18 points to go with three steals, disrupting the Marauders offence throughout the game. Douglas and Alyssa Shortt (Waterloo, ON) each added 10 points, while Russell finished with eight points, six rebounds, and an impressive five blocks.
All five Marauder’s starters scored in double figures, with Taylor Chiarot (Hamilton, ON) leading the way with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Venessa Bonomo (Dundas, ON) put up an impressive stat line of 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while being hounded by Freeman all game long. McMaster’s bench only contributed two points, while every Gryphon that played was able to get on the scorers card.
Freeman got the Gryphon’s going early in the game, knocking down a pair of threes while forcing the Marauders into a number of turnovers. Guelph opened the game shooting 56% from the field, and led 23-17 after the first quarter. Freeman led with eight, while Bonomo netted six for McMaster.
Both teams turned up the defensive pressure entering the second quarter, with neither team able to break the game open. Guelph was able to push the lead to double digits before McMaster closed the half on a 14-7 run, to trail 38-35. Freeman led all scorers at halftime with 12 points, while Chiarot countered with 11 for the Marauders.
McMaster stormed out of the gates to open the 2nd half, and was able to take the lead before Dzikowski started to heat up. Dzikowski’s three followed by a runner in the lane by Freeman gave the Gryphon’s a 54-50 lead entering the final quarter, with Dzikowski scoring seven in the quarter to have a double-double by the start of the fourth.
In the final frame, each team battled back and forth, with Guelph taking a slight 59-55 lead halfway through the quarter on yet another Dzikowski three pointer. Mac closed the gap to just one point before the Gryphon defence came to life, sparking a 12-0 run in just over a minute and a half to turn a 59-58 advantage into a 71-58 cushion. Mac continued to battle and cut into the Gryphon lead, but the Gryphon’s held tough to give the seniors a 76-68 win in their final home games.
While Guelph was able to defend their home court, they still have to hit the road in the final leg before the OUA playoffs. The Gryphon’s will travel north to take on the Lakehead Thunderwolves in a double-header next weekend, with games on February 17, and 18. Tip off for both games is scheduled for 6pm.
The Gee-Gees steamrolled over the RMC Paladins on Saturday afternoon, recording an 84-15 win and improving their record to an OUA East leading 17-3.
With a solid grip on first place in the OUA East, the Gee-Gees will need to win one of their final two games of the regular season to hold on to that position, however they have already ensured themselves a first-round playoff bye.
The Gee-Gees will return to Montpetit Hall for the final weekend of the regular season. They are set to host Ryerson on Friday, February 17 and Toronto on Saturday, February 18; tip-off at 6:00 p.m. both nights.
The No. 2 women’s basketball team easily defeated the Laurier Golden Hawks 76-35 on Saturday afternoon for their fifteenth straight win.
The Lancers are 19-2 on the year with one game remaining on their schedule.
Windsor's stifling defence held Laurier to just 21 percent (13-62) from the field while shooting 47 percent (26-55) themselves. Windsor also dominated the Golden Hawks in the paint, outrebounding Laurier 48-27.
Windsor had a wire-to-wire victory, thanks to a 16-3 run to open the game. Leading 26-7 after the first quarter, Windsor didn’t let up as they stretched their lead to 33 by the time the buzzer sounded at half.
Laurier began a comeback when they started the second half on an 8-0 run, but Windsor got consecutive three pointers from Laura Mullins to put the Lancers up comfortably by 30 points again.
In the fourth quarter, Windsor and Laurier played a tight game defensively as Windsor only outscored the Hawks 15-13 in the frame to seal their 76-35 win.
Windsor was led by Iva Peklova who poured in 14 points while pulling down eight rebounds. Jessica Clemencon had seven rebounds in addition to her 14 points. Bojana Kovacevic and Mullins had 13 and 12 points respectively.
The Lancers will host their final regular season game next Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm when the Western Mustangs come to town. Prior to the game, the Lancers will honour graduating seniors Iva Peklova and Emily Abbott.
Source: Lancers Athletics
The No. 5 nationally ranked Carleton University Ravens women’s basketball team was dominant from the opening tipoff, playing to a 67-53 win over the host Queen’s University Gaels Saturday night.
The next stanza saw back-and-forth action with strong play from Gael Brittany Moore (Hannon, Ont.). She and Liz Boag (Kingston, Ont.) each finished with a team-high 11 points.
The Ravens took over in the second half. Alyson Bush (Ottawa) drained seven points in the third quarter as her squad took a 49-36 lead into the final frame.
The deficit would be too much for the Gaels to overcome, as the Ravens collected their seventh straight win and improved their record to 15-5.
Bush had a game-high 15 points, while her teammate Elizabeth Roach (Ottawa) earned the game’s only double-double with 13 points and 10 boards.
The Ravens will look to hold on to second place in the OUA East when they host the third-place University of Toronto Varsity Blues Friday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.
Source: Ravens Athletics
TORONTO- Ashley MacDonald tallied a game-high 18 points in her final regular season home contest, as the Ryerson Rams women's basketball team extended its winning streak to three games with a 58-51 win over Laurentian on Saturday night at Kerr Hall Gym.
I thought Laurentian played really well and really hard," said Head Coach Charles Kissi. "They didn't give up and kept coming. There were times where we gained some leads and played as if the game was over. They kept battling back."
Before the contest, MacDonald was honoured in front of the energetic crowd on Saturday night for her contribution to the women's basketball program.
"(She) had an Ashley MacDonald style game and played hard to the very end," said Kissi. "I was glad we could get her out at the end."
With seconds left in the contest and the Rams on the foul-line, Kissi subbed MacDonald out of the game to rousing applause from those in attendance at Kerr Hall Gym.
"Ashley is our leader," Kissi stated simply.
The Rams were able to hold a 24-22 advantage after two quarters of play, and were able to spread the lead slightly in the third quarter. However, the Lady Vees would stay close throughout, and cut the lead to three with 7:28 left in regulation.
MacDonald came up with a big three-pointer from beyond the arc, but the Lady Vees persevered, and a lay-up from Emma Cloe cut the deficit to two. However, the OUA all-star and conference points leader drained another basket from beyond the arc to help maintain the lead.
Dayana Gechkova (Sofia, Bulgaria) then notched a timely jumper to put the Rams up by six with 1:24 to go in the fourth in helping Ryerson to its 11th win.
The victory also vaults the Rams ahead of Queen's for fourth-place in the OUA East standings. That would assure them a home playoff game in the first round of the post-season. However, Ryerson will end the regular season with two tough matches in Ottawa next weekend.
"There's no better prep for playoffs than Ottawa and Carleton," said Kissi. "(They are) two great, well-coached teams who are playing well right now. We have to take some time off to mentally recharge, and then get back into it quickly after."
The women will take on the Gee-Gees next Friday, and end the regular season against Carleton on Saturday evening.
Source: Rams Athletics
The Varsity Blues women’s basketball team held the York Lions to single digits in all four quarters en route to a dominant 58-27 win on Saturday night (Feb. 11) at the Athletic Centre Sports Gym.
Second-year guard Jill Stratton (Etobicoke, Ont.) tallied a team-high 15 points and added nine boards on the night. Rachel Sider notched 10 points, while Julie Longauer had nine in the win.
The Blues opened the first with a 14-0 run, with eight points coming from Sider, and held a dominant 22-3 lead after the first 10 minutes of play. A low-scoring second frame would see Toronto take a 33-12 lead into halftime.
The second half also proved to be a battle of the defences, as Toronto outscored York 25-15 en route to their 14th win of the season.
York was led by Llyandra Kerr’s game-high 16-point performance
The Varsity Blues return to action next Friday, February 17 as they head to Ottawa, Ont., to take on the Carleton Ravens. Tip off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Source: Varsity Blues Athletics
ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University women's basketball team (14-7 OUA) defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves (9-11 OUA) by the score of 78-55 Saturday night to sweep the weekend series at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.
In the second half, the Badgers continued to play good defence and knocked down their shots enroute to the 23-point victory.
For the second night in a row, Brock had five players in double digits led by Rosenkranz with 14 points and nine rebounds. Freshman guard Kayla Santilli (Brantford, Ont.) also netted 14 points, deJong finished with 13 points, and both Emily McKay (Toronto, Ont.) and Andrea Polischuk (Brantford, Ont.) added 11 points.
Senior Lindsay Druery had a monster game for the Thunderwolves with game-highs in points, 18, and rebounds, 16. Carolyn Fragale finished with 11 points and Kelsey Bardsley added 10 points for the visitors.
The Badgers shot 41.3% (31-for-75) from the field and 28.6% (6-for-21) from beyond the arc. Lakehead shot 35.1% (20-for-57) from the field and 23.8% (5-for-21) from three-point range.
The Badgers bench players outscored the Thunderwolves bench 25-7.
Brock's next action is Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. when they host the Waterloo Warriors (1-18 OUA) in their final regular season game of the season at the Bob Davis Gymnasium.
Source: Badgers Athletics
