The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s lacrosse team went 2-0 this weekend (Sept 21-22), defeating the Guelph Gryphons 16-6 and the Western Mustangs 9-7 at the University of Guelph.

On Saturday, the Blues got an early 3-0 lead with goals from Yoko Murphy (Toronto, Ont.), Jen Held (Brampton, Ont.) and Tory Merrill (Orangeville, Ont.). The Gryphons answered back with three goals of their own in just seven minutes. Toronto’s offence got back on track, netting six goals before the end of the first half to lead 9-4.

The Blues continued to dominate in the latter half of the game, coming away with the 16-6 victory. Held and Merrill scored five goals apiece for the Blues, while Taryn Greider (Toronto, Ont.) notched three of her own. Sarah Woodward (Singapore) also added two goals in the Toronto win.

Toronto faced some stiffer competition on Sunday when they faced the Western Mustangs. The Blues got off to another early start as Murphy and Merrill tallied in the first five minutes of the game. The Mustangs rallied back, yet the Blues would hold their ground and take a 5-4 lead at the half.

Four goals by four different players in the first sixteen minutes of the second half combined with a solid Blues defence would be enough to hold off the Mustangs and come away with a 9-7 win.

Merril led the Blues offence once again, earning a hatrick for her efforts. Murphy and Greider each scored two goals, while Held and Susan Tung added singles for the Blues.

The Varsity Blues women’s lacrosse team returns home to host the Queen’s Gaels on Saturday, September 27 at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the University of Toronto’s back campus field.