A slow opening quarter was too difficult to overcome for the York University Lions women's basketball team in a 57-53 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees in their Friday night contest at the Tait McKenzie Centre.
 
The visitors raced out to an 18-5 lead after the first 10 minutes of play and stretched that advantage at the half, doubling up on the Lions with a 42-21 score.
 
The second half was a different story, however. The Gee-Gees scored the first points of the third quarter, but after that it was all York. They put up 18 points in the frame to cut the deficit to 10 heading into the final quarter, and continued to pour in the baskets in the fourth.
 
With five minutes remaining, a basket by Cyanna King made the score 52-50 and after a miss by Ottawa at the other end, the Lions had the chance to take the lead. However, they turned the ball over and the Gee-Gees scored on the ensuing possession, ultimately holding on for the four-point win.
 
Fifth-year forward Lindsay Shotbolt continued her remarkable season and recorded more than 20 rebounds for the second straight game. Following last week's 25-board performance, she brought down 21 against Ottawa to go along with a game-high 17 points, recording her third straight double-double and seventh overall this season.
 
Chante Clarke added 14 points coming in off the bench, while Katrina Collins-Samuels chipped in with eight points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals.
 
Ottawa's leading scorer was Maia Timmons with 12 points thanks to shooting 4-of-9 from the behind the arc. She was the only Gee-Gees player to reach double digits.
 
The Lions fell to 6-7 with the loss, while Ottawa improved to 8-5 and created some separation between the two teams with the win.
 
The Lions will be back in action on home court again on Saturday night when they face the other team from the nation's capital in the undefeated and No. 4 nationally-ranked Carleton Ravens. Tip-off is set for 6pm.