The Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the York Lions 7-4 in their first exhibition game on Thursday (Sept. 14) night at Varsity Arena. 
 
The Blues offence was firing on all cylinders from the get-go scoring four goals in the first period. First-year forward Abbey Whitworth got the Blues on the board a minute and a half into the game. Lions forward Abby Hooper tied it in the first half of the opening frame.
 
The Blues power play went two for two in the first period with goals from fifth year defender Aubrey Cole and captain Taylor Trussler to give the Blues a 4-2 lead after the first. 
 
Cole and Trussler led the Blues in points with two as both added an assist to their totals after third period goals from fourth-year forward Juliette Blais-Savoie and third-year forward Sophie Grawbarger. 
 
The Lions scored two goals in the third period to make it close but the Blues managed to fight off the late comeback attempt. 
 
Blues goalies Madison Roche and Carlee Vance combined for 17 saves in the team's first exhibition win of the season. 
 
The Blues will continue their exhibition season next Friday, September 22 at 6p.m. when they faceoff against the Princeton Tigers of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).