Ravens win matchup against Varsity Blues at Ravens’ Nest, 73-55.
Photo by: Murray McComb
The Carleton University Ravens women’s basketball team had a mixed performance against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues at home Friday night, but came away with the 73-55 win.
The Ravens came out strong and energetic in the first quarter of play taking the ball aggressively to the hoop and sinking open shots from the perimeter at over 50 per cent. The Ravens played with a hop in their step, attacking and spacing to score and diving on loose balls. The Ravens’ great hustle led to a well-deserved 26-9 lead. Carleton’s defence was solid from the perimeter, but the home team had some trouble stopping Blues veteran forward Nicki Schutz (Toronto) who scored seven of the Blues nine points in the first quarter.
Going into the second quarter the Ravens kept their momentum and continued shooting open perimeter shots as the Blues did not respect Carleton perimeter shooters. The Ravens would again outscore the Blues 20-12 and went into the halftime break with a 46-21 advantage.
Coming out of the break the Blues switched to a zone defence to try and stop the Ravens. Blues pressure in the full and half court caused back-to-back Ravens turnovers early in the third. After a few sloppy possessions the Ravens’ bench was forced to call a time out. After a regroup, the Ravens adjusted to the new defence and were more successful. But the Blues had come out strong and would come away winning the quarter 19-17.
The Ravens continued their downward spiral in the fourth quarter, unable to make shots from the perimeter while the Blues continued their aggressive attack. But, the Ravens had built up a sizeable cushion in the first quarter that carried them to the end of the game, coming away with the 73-55 win.
The Ravens were led by four players who scored in double digits – third year forward Ashleigh Cleary (Kemptville, Ont.) with 14 points, first year guard Jessica Resch (Orleans, Ont.) with 13 points, first year guard Alyson Bush (Ottawa) who added 11 and third year guard Courtney Smith (Ottawa) who contributed 10 points in the win.
The Blues were led by first year guard Katelyn McConnell (Whitby, Ont.) with 14 points, while teammates Schutz and fourth year guard Erin McNeely (Kingston, Ont.) contributed 12 and 11 points respectively.
Carleton improves its record 13-4 with the win. The Ravens will host the Ryerson University Rams Saturday at the Ravens’ Nest for the ladies’ final regular season home game.
Rebounds: CU: 16+21=37, UofT: 12+13=25
Score by periods
Carleton 26 20 17 10 73
Toronto 9 12 19 15 55
