After a three-goal first period, the No. 2 nationally-ranked Varsity Blues women's hockey team beat the Guelph Gryphons 4-1 in Game 1 of the OUA semifinal on Wednesday (Mar. 1) night at Varsity Arena.

WHAT HAPPENED: It was a period to remember for the Blues offence who came out flying in the first. Rookie forward Isabella Greco opened the scoring two minutes into the period after just squeaking the puck past Gryphons goalie Martina Fedel. 

Forward Céline Frappier added a goal of her own to double the Blues lead with five minutes to play. Natasha Athanasakos wrapped up the scoring for the Blues in the first period with a power play goal.

Picked her spot!

Natasha Athanasakos scores on the power play with less than a minute to go!

TOR 3 | GUE 0
1st | 0:08

WE ALL #BLEEDBLUE | #WeAreTO pic.twitter.com/OWrG1vXYAN

— U of T Varsity Blues (@Varsity_Blues) March 2, 2023

While it was a much quieter on the offensive front in the second period with both goalies holding down the fort for much of the period. Aili McKeown extended the Blues lead to four halfway through the period. The Gryphons got on the board late in the second with a goal from Abby Davies.

The Blues held their three-goal lead through the third period to secure the win.

Blues goalie Erica Fryer finishes with 26 saves in the win.

UP NEXT: Game 2 is set for this Saturday, March 4 at the Gryphon Centre Arena. Puck drop is at 2:30 p.m. Game 3, if necessary, will take place back at Varsity Arena, on March 5 at 4 p.m.