The York University Lions Women's Basketball team embarked north to face the Nipissing Lakers on Friday evening. 

The game opened with both teams trading baskets. York's Kiara Leveridge set the tone early, grabbing offensive rebounds and converting second-chance opportunities to keep the Lions within striking distance. Gabby Di Pietro added early perimeter scoring, sinking a three-pointer with 3:46 left in the first quarter to bring York within two points at 11-13. Ella Okubasu anchored the Lions' defence in the opening quarter, recording crucial rebounds. At the end of the first it was 17-16 with the Lions trailing. 

The second quarter remained tight, with the lead changing hands multiple times. York's Leveridge continued to be a driving force, knocking down a free throw pair to give the Lions a brief 20-17 edge. Katie Leudy also made her presence felt with a layup and several key defensive plays, while Naimh Heath contributed a three-pointer that sparked a late first-half surge, putting York ahead 30-28 at the break. 

In the third quarter, York began to assert more control. Leveridge's aggressive play on both ends of the court, including multiple offensive rebounds and layups, pushed the Lions ahead. Di Pietro came alive from beyond the arc, hitting another three-pointer midway through the quarter to extend the lead. Leveridge finished the quarter with 13 points and 13 rebounds, giving York a 55-52 advantage heading into the final frame. 

The fourth quarter saw York pull away decisively. Leudy facilitated fast breaks and found Leveridge for a timely layup to stretch the lead. Di Pietro continued to knock down clutch three-point shots, while Akuach Buang contributed critical points in the paint, including a layup with just over six minutes remaining that made it 52-50 and swung momentum firmly in York's favour. Defensive intensity increased, as the Lions forced multiple turnovers and limited Nipissing's scoring opportunities. By the final minutes, York had built a 70-64 cushion that the Lakers could not overcome. 

LOOKING AHEAD:
Riding the momentum from this comeback win, York stays on the road to face the Laurentian Voyageurs tomorrow, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 pm.