A sluggish start gave the York Lions hope, but the Marauders quickly returned to top gear to score 24 unanswered points and dispatch the Lions 36-12 in Toronto on Friday night.

Heidi Henderson had two tries, and Rina Charalampis, Safara Whiteley-Hoffelner, Sarah Svoboda and Cindy Nelles each added one of their own in the win. With three successful converts, Svoboda led all players in scoring 11 points. The win maintained the CIS no. 5-ranked Marauders' unbeaten start to the 2014 season.

A long, powerful run from Charalampis saw her cross the end line and open the scoring for McMaster, although the equally potent wind pushed the ensuing convert attempt from Svoboda wide. Surprisingly, the Lions struck back, plunging into the endzone after a penalty and converting to take a 7-5 lead early in the first half.

But the tenacity of McMaster's Katie Svoboda created an answer, when she blocked a York kick and teammate Henderson dove onto the ball in the endzone for the try. Sister Sarah made good on her second convert attempt of the night, and the Marauders were back in the driver's seat at 12-7.

The Lions weren't done, however, and punched in their second try of the night early in the second half to tie the game once more, this time at 12.

Quality eventually won out for McMaster, though, and Nelles found Henderson peeling off the scrum for her second try of the evening to push the Marauders back in front. From there, the CIS no. 5-ranked team asserted itself, and Whiteley-Hoffelner, Nelles and Katie Svoboda each carried over the line to cement their victory.

Although happy with the result, the Marauders will look to improve on their execution as they eye a pivotal matchup with the Guelph Gryphons in a week's time. The Gryphons will visit the Marauders at Back 10 Field on Sunday, September 28. That match is slated to kickoff at noon.