The York University Lions women's basketball team was defeated by a score of 78-52 by the Ryerson Rams in their opening round OUA playoff series at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Wednesday evening.
 
The Rams, who are the defending Critelli Cup champions, came out firing in the first quarter and led 16-6 after the opening 10 minutes. The Lions played a much stronger game through to the end, but could not close the gap that had developed in the first.
 
After scoring only six points in the first, the Lions put up 18 in the second to cut a 20-point deficit into just 12 at the half. Despite continued strong play, the Rams continued to pour in the points, outscoring the Lions 21-15 in the third and 21-13 in the fourth to cruise to the big win.
 
Fifth-year forward Shauney Fischer (Wallaceburg, Ont.) had a big individual performance in her final game with the Lions, recorded a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. She also added one assist and one block in 32 minutes of action.
 
Fellow graduating player Sandra Nagowska (Peterborough, Ont.) led all Lions in scoring with 13 points and added six rebounds, six steals and one assist.
 
The Rams were led by their forward tandem of Sofia Paska and Emma Fraser, who each put up 17 points to lead all players. Paska also added nine rebounds and three assists, while Fraser came in off the bench and also added four points, three steals and one assist.
 
With the win, the Rams have now advance to the OUA quarter-finals and will head to Windsor, Ont., on Saturday to face the Lancers on Saturday afternoon at 2pm.