KINGSTON, Ont. (January 9, 2010) – The Queen's Gaels extended their regular season winning streak to five games as they overcame a six point deficit topping the Ryerson Rams 69-65 on Saturday in the final women's basketball game held at Bartlett Gymnasium in Kingston, Ont.

Christine Wallace of North Gower, Ont., contributed 16 points and two steals including one in the closing minutes which led to the Gaels taking the lead for good in the closing minutes.

Three others scored double-digits for the Gaels including, Maddie Soye of Kitchener, Ont., who tallied 12 points. Brittany Moore of Hannon, Ont., and Erin Skippon of Kelonwna, B.C. each had 11 while Skippon posted a double-double putting up 12 rebounds.

Ryerson held the advantage from the opening buzzer building a 29-24 halftime lead and then extended it to a 50-44 lead heading into the final frame. The Gaels needed 25 points in the fourth quarter to overtake the Rams and secure the win.

In the fourth, with the score tied at 60 a piece, Wallace stole the ball underneath the net after an errant pass from Ryerson's Angela Tilk of Welland, Ont.. Wallace immediately converted a layup to make the score 62-60 and the Gaels never relinquished the lead.

Ryerson's Ashley MacDonald of Port Colburne, Ont. was the Ram's leading scorer registering 19 in the loss while Tilk was the game's top rebounder logging 18.

Queen's winning streak is the Gaels longest since the 2003-04 season where they posted a perfect eight-game stretch from Nov. 22 to January 21.

The Gaels improve to 8-4 and maintain a tie for first place in the OUA east division with Carleton University who sit at 8-3. Earlier today, Carleton blew out York 91-43 and they hold a game in hand on Queen's. With the loss, Ryerson falls out of first place and sit in second with a 7-5 record.

Following the game, Head Coach Dave Wilson addressed the crowd recalling his memories of the historic Bartlett Gymnasium. Wilson has been with the Gaels for over 30 seasons starting his career as a player with the men's team and then moving to a coach after his playing career concluded.

After the men's games both the men's and women's team cut the net at Bartlett Gymnasium to officially close the building.

Queen's Athletics & Recreation will open a new gymnasium next weekend in the Queen's Centre. Volleyball will open the Main Gym in the Athletics & Recreation Centre on January 17 while Basketball will host its first game on January 29.

HISTORIC ENDING

FINAL SCORE: Gaels 69 Ryerson 65

LAST BASKET: Erin Skippon – Queen's (Free Throw with 12 seconds to play making score 69-65 for Queen's)
LAST FIELD GOAL: Brittany Moore – Queen's (Layup with 33 seconds to play making score 65-64 for Queen's)
LAST REBOUND: Christine Wallace – Queen's (Defensive Rebound with 1:20 left to play)
LAST 3-POINTER – Ashley MacDonald – Ryerson (Made Three pointer with 14 seconds to play making score 67-65 for Queen's)