In a fight for first place in field hockey, the defending CIS champions University of Toronto Varsity Blues (9-0-1) defeated the defending OUA champions Guelph Gryphons (7-1-3) to claim sole possession of top spot in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference with a convincing 2-1 win on Friday afternoon (Oct. 10) at Varsity Centre.

Rianna Sterk (Embro, Ont.) found the loose ball in front of the Guelph net and nailed the eventual game-winner past Jaclyn Butterworth (Winnipeg, Man.) in the 47th minute of the game to give Toronto the lead.

Both teams seemed cautious in the first half, playing a very defensive-minded contest. They play was back and forth with very limited scoring opportunities for either team.

The first goal of the contest wouldn’t materialize until the 23rd minute of the opening half. Gryphons midfielder Angela Lancaster (Burlington, Ont.) took advantage of a Blues turnover, rifling a shot on the short side of Toronto goalie Sam Lyzun (West Vancouver, BC) to put the visitors up 1-0.

The Guelph lead was short lived as Toronto answered right back, scoring on their ensuing drive. Blues rookie Kaelan Watson (Richmond, B.C.) received a pass and found her way through three Gryphons defenders before drilling a shot to the far post.

Toronto and Guelph see action again tomorrow as the Blues face-off against the Western Mustangs at 5 p.m. and Gryphons take on the York Lions at 7 p.m. Both games will be played at U of T’s Varsity Centre.

SCORING RECAP:

GUE Lancaster (7) 23rd
TOR Watson (1) 24th
TOR Sterk (8) 46th