The York University women's basketball team faced the Laurentian Voyageurs in front of a packed home crowd and picked up a huge 89-67 victory on Friday afternoon at Tait Mackenzie Centre.
 
With only six games left in the regular season, the Lions picked up a must-needed victory against their division rival. The Lions and Voyageurs both entered the game with a 6-10 record on the season, however, with the win, the Lions have moved to fifth-place ahead of the Voyageurs.
 
The Lions had a strong start on the Voyageurs eventually picking up a 5-point lead, 16-11 after Chante Clarke and Haley Bowie nailed consecutive three-pointers. The Lions had the momentum of the crowd as they led the Voyageurs 20-13 midway through the quarter. The Voyageurs managed to catch up to the Lions after multiple turnovers. Madison Bardoel added two free throws, followed by a Voyageurs three-pointer that ended the quarter with the score tied 26-26.
 
The Voyageurs opened the second quarter sinking two free throws to lead the Lions 28-26. It was Madeline Weber, who made a lay-up to give the Lions back their lead, 32-30. Midway through the quarter, Emma Jonas sunk a three-pointer as the Lions led 43-36, forcing the Voyageurs to take a time out. With 20 seconds remaining, Clarke had a huge steal that ended the half by score of 49-37.
 
The Lions picked up an 11-point lead at the start of the third quarter. Katrina Collins-Samuels made her way around the Voyageurs defence with ease, exciting the young crowd and bringing the score to 59-46. Jonas earned a basket, plus a foul, which once again forced the Voyageurs to take a time out. The Lions nearly had a 20-point lead midway through the quarter, however the Voyageurs cut that lead in half, and trailed 64-54 with two minutes remaining. The Lions held their lead to end the quarter 68-55.
 
Collins-Samuels made a jump-shot at the start of the fourth quarter adding two-points for the Lions. The Lions picked up their largest lead on the Voyageurs, 80-55, after a lay-up by Bowie. The Lions continued to be creative offensively and stayed strong defensively to end the game with an 89-67 win.
 
It was a collective effort with six Lions earning double-digit points. Leaders for the Lions were Megan MacLeod with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists, Cyanna King with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Clarke earned 14 points and three rebounds. The top-scorer for the Voyageurs was Kayla Deschatelets with 17 points and four rebounds.
 
The Lions are back in action tomorrow, Jan. 26 to take on the Nipissing Lakers at Tait Mackenzie Centre. Tip-off is scheduled for 6pm.