The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s field hockey team tallied one win and one loss this past Saturday, September 26 at TD Waterhouse Stadium at the University of Western Ontario.

Toronto defeated the York Lions 3-0 in their first game of the day. Angela Jennings (Ottawa), Kristen Shier (North Vancouver, B.C.) and Kelley Lusk (North Vancouver, B.C.) each scored a goal in the victory for the Blues. 

Varsity dominated the contest from the opening whistle and had many opportunities to extend the lead. Brittney Blount (Ottawa) had an outstanding performance for the Lions, stopping the Blues on many occasions to keep the score respectable. 

Sam Lyzun (West Vancouver, B.C.) was solid in net for Toronto as well, earning her third shutout of the season.

In their second game of the afternoon, the Varsity Blues took on their conference rival Guelph Gryphons. These two conference powerhouses have traded victories in the OUA finals the past two years, Guelph winning in 2007 and the Blues taking home the gold medal in 2008.

In the last game of the day at Western, the storyline surrounded the speed and skill of the Guelph forward line. Led by fifth-year veteran Kristine Wishart (Hamilton, Ont.) and Kitchener-native Brienne Stairs, the Gryphons offence plagued the Blues defenders with long balls and penetrating runs. 

Stairs opened the scoring to put the Gryphons up 1-0, while goaltender Lyzun had to stand tall, making numerous saves to keep the game within reach. Near the end of the first half, Stairs struck again, to put Guelph up 2-0 going into halftime.

Lyzun continued her strong play in the second half, keeping the Blues within striking distance. Toronto was able to put some pressure on Guelph, earning a couple of penalty corners. These corners would not be converted and the Gryphons maintained their two goal advantage.

Although Hannah Tighe (Penticton, B.C.) would tally a late goal on a pass from Kaelan Watson (Richmond, B.C.), the Gryphons held on for a 2-1 victory.

The Varsity Blues will look for redemption when they host the Guelph Gryphons at Varsity Centre on Friday, October 9. Game time is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.