The McMaster women's basketball team opened the OUA schedule with a 69-65 victory over the Ottawa Gee-Gees at Montpetit Hall in Ottawa.

The Marauders took a 28-25 lead into the halftime intermission and after playing an even third quarter, pulled away from Ottawa in the final stanza.  McMaster's biggest lead was nine points at 63-54 late in the game.  The Gee-Gees made a final push to close the gap but time ran out on the rally and McMaster secured the win.

The Marauders got a big game from Danielle Boiago, who scored 24 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Mac's Hilary Hanaka also dropped 21 points, and Clare Kenney was a key to the win as she scored a career-high 17.

Julia Soriano was the top shooter for Ottawa with 16.

The Marauders face another tough opponent on Saturday night when they move on to play the Carleton Ravens.  Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. and the game is being broadcast on McMaster Radio CFMU 93.3 FM and webcast on OUA.tv.