Box Score The Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Waterloo Warriors 5-2 on Friday (Sept. 29) night at Varsity Arena. 
 
The start wasn't ideal for the Blues after being scored on 23 seconds into the game and then having to kill three penalties in the opening frame, but the Blues prevailed. 
 
U of T's penalty kill was strong and the momentum went to the teams' legs. Third-year forward Avery Lee netted her first goal of the preseason after deflecting fourth-year forward Natasha Athanasakos' pass in front to tie the game at one. 
 
In the second period shortly after the Blues killed another penalty, Waterloo regained their lead after first-year defender Erika Porter set up forward Madison Giampa to give the Warriors a 2-1 lead.
 
Late in the second the Blues tied the game after third-year forward Aili McKewon capitalized on a Waterloo turnover. McKewon's shot was stopped by Waterloo goaltender Kara Mark but Lee was on the doorstep and buried the rebound for her second goal of the game. 
 
In the third period while the Blues were shorthanded, Athanasakos caught a burst of speed and broke into the Warriors zone and beat Mark for the eventual game winner. 
 
Forwards Kaitlyn McKnight and Taylor Trussler added empty net goals and third-year goaltender Madison Roche made 24 saves in the victory. 
 
The Blues now turn their attention to tomorrow night, September 30, when they face the Windsor Lancers at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.