The Tait McKenzie Centre was electric on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 23) despite a 87-75 loss taken by the York University women's basketball team against the No. 9 nationally ranked Queen's Gaels for their annual "Shoot For The Cure" game.
 
The Lions were extremely energetic from the tip off and dominated the first quarter with a 24-14 score. Ishanaa Seupersadsingh (Markham, Ont) and Shauney Fischer (Wallaceburg, Ont.) each had several moments of brilliance offensively, while the whole team played as a solid unit defensively.
 
In the second quarter, the Gaels picked up the pace and played a more structured defensive game. Marianne Alarie had a great sequence midway through the action with a charge to the basket that beat a number of Lions off of the dribble. She was rewarded with two points from a completed layup.
 
Despite the Gael's improvements, the Lions were able to finish the second quarter with a 37-32 lead. Sandra Nagowska (Peterborough, Ont.) and Jackie Koudys (Smithville, Ont.) put up some crucial points to the board to keep the Lions ahead.
 
In the third quarter the Gaels were able to narrow the gap in scoring to 58-54, but the Lions held a steady lead throughout the quarter. Nagowska successfully swiveled around a defender to grab two points off a jump shot and Nina Guzina (Toronto) collected six points from the three-point line.
 
In the fourth quarter the Gaels pulled it together and were able to finish the game twelve points ahead of the Lions. Robyn Pearson tallied the most points for both teams with 15. She sunk five out of six baskets from the field and made all five attempts from the free throw line.
 
For the Lions, Koudys finished with the most points on the team with 14, hitting five field goals, two three-pointers, and two free throws. Nagowska also put up 13 points, followed by Seupersadsingh with 12 points. Both ladies grabbed five buckets from the field and two from the free throw line.
 
With the result, both teams hold their places in OUA East Standings. The Lions sit in fourth place with 4 points and a 2-8 record, while the Gaels stay seated in the top spot with 19 points and a 9-1 record.
 
Next week the Lions will return to the court to take on the Carleton Ravens on Jan. 29 (Friday). Action will be underway at 6pm in Ottawa, Ont.