MONTREAL – Nicole Fransson (Edmonton) and Jolene Vlieg (Leduc, Alta.) each scored 18 points to lead the Trinity Western Spartans to an impressive 20 point, 71-51, victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues Saturday afternoon at Concordia University in Montreal, PQ. The win puts TWU at 2-0 in Montreal and 2-2 overall, while the loss puts Toronto 1-1 in Montreal and 1-3 overall in preseason play.
 
Fransson added eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks to her totals, while Vlieg added 7 rebounds and two assists. Lauren Boers led the Varsity Blues with nine points, two assists, and two steals.
 
The Spartans used a dominating first half, leading 24-16 after the opening quarter, to lead 41-24 at the end of 20 minutes. TWU added to the lead in the third quarter outscoring Toronto 15-10 to lead 56-34 going into the final 10 minutes of play. The Blues had a slight advantage in the final frame, outscoring the Spartans 17-15, to make the final 71-51 for TWU.
 
QUOTABLE
TWU Head Coach Cheryl Jean-Paul
"Our defensive intensity played a huge role in today's game. We didn't feel as though our statement yesterday was what we wanted so really proud of the effort and energy in this one."
 
"It was great to see Nicole work inside today and the team effort to create the right looks for each other. The contribution from everyone is what we need as we head into conference play, so these are important lessons for our team to learn."
 
UP NEXT
Tomorrow afternoon, TWU will match up against the Concordia Stingers at Concordia University, also at 3 p.m. to finish their three game tour in Montreal. The Spartans open up Canada West play on Friday, November 4 when they head to Prince George, BC to face the UNBC Timberwolves for a two game weekend series.
 
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 13 U SPORTS team championships and 32 Canada West team championships.
 
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