The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team heads into the holiday break in fourth place after dropping a 2-1 decision to the York Lions on Sunday, December 5 at Canlan Ice Sports Arena.

With the loss, the Blues are now 9-7-0, while the Lions improve to 7-9-0 and sit in seventh place in the OUA standings.

After a scoreless first period, which saw Blues rookie goaltender Nicole Kesteris (Aurora, Ont.) post 12 saves, fourth-year forward Amanda Fawns of Scarborough, Ont., got Toronto on the board when she tipped a Natalie Hughes point shot past York goaltender Sydney McMurter.

With veteran forward Brenley Jorgensen in the penalty box on a roughing call, the Lions would even the score with a powerplay goal off the stick of Jennifer Petkovics midway through the second frame. York’s Victoria Benacquista got the go-ahead goal and eventual game-winner just over three minutes later.

The Blues had numerous chances to score, but would not solve McMurter again. Kesteris made 28 saves in the loss.

The Varsity Blues return to the ice on Saturday, January 8 when they host the Guelph Gryphons at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 4 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.