The University of Toronto Varsity Blues field hockey team opened their 2010 campaign with two big wins over the Western Mustangs and York Lions on Saturday, September 18 at TD Waterhouse Stadium.

The Blues edged the Mustangs 2-1 before shutting out the Lions 3-0 on Saturday night.

Toronto got off to a great start in the first half, with lots of scoring chances and a great offensive drive. Rookie forward Alexandra Evanyshyn of Burlington, Ont., opened the scoring in the 16th minute of the contest, before Western’s Katelynn Roganowicz evened things up just four minutes later.

First-year forward Alexandra Thicke (Penticton, Ont.) answered back for U of T in the 24th minute for what would be the eventual game-winner. Blues goalie Sam Lyzun played a solid game and came up with a huge save on a Western breakaway in the first half.

It was a different story in the second game of the day, as U of T got off to a slow start versus York. Evanyshyn again opened the scoring, this time in the 20th minute as Toronto held a 1-0 lead at the half.

The Blues picked it up in the second, generating solid scoring chances and moving the ball well. Second-year standout Natalie Provenzano of Richmond Hill, Ont., potted one in the 41st minute, before Thicke added her second of the day in the 54th. Katherine Williams (Burlington) had a quiet game between the pipes, earning the shut out in the victory.

The Varsity Blues finish their trip in London, Ont., tomorrow when they take on the Queen’s Gaels at 11:45 a.m.

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