The University of Toronto Varsity Blues field hockey team opened their OUA Championship weekend with a hard-fought 1-0 loss to the Waterloo Warriors.

Entering the tournament with a 9-0-1 record, the undefeated Blues were looking to punch their ticket to a fifth consecutive OUA Championship final, a streak that began in 2019.

The first half saw back-and-forth action, with both teams looking to gain an edge in the high-stakes semifinal matchup. Toronto had a slight edge through the first 30 minutes, being awarded four penalty corners to Waterloo's two and recording five shots, three of which were on net. The attention to detail of both defenses and play of goalkeepers Deepi Gill of the Blues and the Warriors Marielle Fernback kept the game scoreless.

Just over a minute into the second half, Waterloo successfully converted a penalty corner, giving them a 1-0 lead. Sarah Schnarr scored the tally, with Sierra Blackburn assisting.

Despite the setback on the scoreboard, the Blues stepped up their play for the remainder of the game, looking for any way to even up the score. The Blues were stopped by Fernback three more times in the game, recording four more total shots.

Late in the fourth quarter, Toronto earned four consecutive penalty corners, but were unable to convert. They had a fifth opportunity soon after, but Waterloo's defense successfully did everything they could to hold on to the lead.

The Blues go for bronze against the York Lions on Sunday, October 26 at 12 p.m. on Back Campus Fields. The game will be streamed on oua.tv.