The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s hockey team was held scoreless as the York University Lions earned a 3-0 victory on Saturday, January 23 at the Ice Gardens. 

With the loss, the Blues are 10-8-2 and remain in fifth place in the OUA standings. 

U of T came out strong and outshot the Lions 11-3 in the first period. Despite five powerplay opportunities, Toronto could not solve third-year Lions goaltender Sydney McMurter (Orillia, Ont.) as the game remained scoreless at the first intermission. 

The tables quickly turned in the second and the Lions found themselves on a two-man advantage in the early minutes of the period. Fourth-year forward Danielle Beach of Port Perry, Ont. took full advantage, tapping in a Karen Wiltshire (Bowmanville, Ont.) rebound with just one second remaining on Kelly Setter’s (Keswick, Ont.) penalty to get the Lions on the board and remain on the powerplay. 

York continued to flood the Blues net with shots and Kristie Wilson of Hamilton, Ont. got on the right end of a Michelle Daniels (Scarborough, Ont.) shot to beat Blues goaltender Kendyl Valenta (Brampton, Ont.). 

York held a 2-0 lead heading into the final frame. 

Both teams looked sluggish throughout the third period with neither creating any good scoring chances. With Daniels in the penalty box and Valenta pulled, the Blues found themselves with a six-on-four advantage with 57 seconds remaining in the game. Unfortunately for the Blues, McMurter stood on her head and denied every shot that came her way. 

Wilson would add an empty-netter with less than two seconds remaining to secure York’s 14th win of the season. 

The Blues and Lions return to the ice tomorrow afternoon for a rematch at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 4 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.