Opening the provincial showcase with two games on the first day of competition, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's lacrosse team battled to a 10-10 tie versus Trent and 15-8 victory over host Brock on Friday (Oct. 25) in St. Catharines, Ont.

Toronto puts themselves in a good position to advance, holding a 1-0-1 (W-L-T) record at the end of their pool play matches. With three more pool play games scheduled for tomorrow morning, final seeding will be confirmed following the conclusion.

In the opening contest of the day, the Blues found themselves in trouble trailing the Excalibur at the half. However, an offensive surge in the second half allowed U of T to draw even and earn the crucial tie. Leading the way for the Blues was Holly Bureau who finished the game with a hat-trick and two assists. Isabella Ward also registered three goals in the win, while Alexei Dokis-Dupuis scored two and both Keira Gowan and Lily Brooks added single markers each. Brooks also served as a key facilitator, adding three assist to her stat line.

Shifting to the primetime showdown versus the host Badgers, the Blues kept on rolling as they maintained a healthy lead following a 6-1 advantage after just the first quarter. Gowan was sensational for Toronto in the second game of the day, finishing the evening with another seven goals added to her tally on the day. Bureau was also key to the Blues fast start, scoring the first three goals for another hat-trick, while adding a fourth goal and an assist later in the match. Rheanna Swanson recorded two goals, while Bridget Henson and Ward each scored one to round out Toronto's scoring. Goalie Elizabeth McDonald made the start in net for the Blues in both games.

Action at the championship will continue tomorrow (OCt. 26) morning, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Following the conclusion of pool play, the consolation final and semifinals will commence at 3:30 p.m, with the medal matches schedule for Sunday, Oct. 27. Full event details can be found at the championship homepage.