VICTORIA - The University of Victoria Vikes women's basketball team went on an aggressive third-quarter run this evening, dropping the Bisons 72-57 in the first of two away games on Jan. 9.

Fifth-year forward Jessica Renfrew and third-year forward Jenna Bugiardini led the Vikes with 18 points each, while Bugiardini added a game-high 15 rebounds to her double-double scoring.  Fourth year Shaylyn Crisp chipped in with eight rebounds while Renfrew, Amira Giannattasio and Ashley McGinnis contributed with two treys each.
 
On the home side, forward Christina Posthumus was the lead scorer for the Bisons, totaling 12 points, nine rebounds and was 6-10 in free throws. Vanessa DeVries and Sheree Carmona-Galdamz both made three steals while DeVries held the team with eight rebounds.
 
The Bisons were quick on the lead in the opening quarter following a three-pointer from guard Jenilyn Monton, making the score 12-4 midway through the first. Vikes Renfrew and rookie Giannattasio replied with treys of their own to tie the first at 18-18.
 
Both teams played some good offensive work under the boards in what seemed to be a back and forth second quarter. Vikes Renfrew led the game with 16 points and three rebounds to bump her team 36-32 at halftime.
 
The home team made several attempts to tie the game in the third quarter, but were held at 29 per cent from the field by the offensive Vikes. A three-point play by Victoria Bugiardini signaled a shift in momentum midway through the third as the lead widened to 10 for the Vikes. The visiting team headed into the final quarter leading 59-44.
 
The Vikes denied a comeback from the Bisons through some good defensive work. Bugiardini and Crisp, in particular, forced some turnovers and helped the Vikes maintain their lead. The Vikes outscored the home team 13-12 in the fourth, ending the game with a 72-57 victory.
 
This game brings the Vikes to 4-6 this season while the Bisons now sit at 1-11.
 
The two teams will meet again at Investors Group Athletic Centre at 3:00 p.m. PST with live video and stats being broadcasted on canadawest.tv.

SCORING SUMMARY
UVIC: 18-18-23-13: 72
MAN: 18-14-13-12: 57

SCORING LEADERS
UVIC: Jenna Bugiardini (18), Jessica Renfrew (18)
MAN: Christina Posthumus (12)