The No. 8 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team fell 1-0 against the No. 3 ranked Guelph Gryphons in Game 1 of the OUA  semifinals on Wednesday (Feb. 28) night in Guelph, Ont.
 
In a rematch of the 2023 semifinals, both teams looked for an edge early. The Blues penalty kill was put to the test, but they were able to withstand Guelph's pressure thanks to blocked shots by third-year defenders Kalie Chan and Emma Potter, and saves from fifth-year netminder Erica Fryer.
 
The Blues defensive game was strong to hold off a ruthless Gryphons offence, but late in the first period Guelph picked up the icebreaker as forward Katherine Heard found the back of the net, putting Toronto down by one goal after 20 minutes of play.
 
In the second period, the Blues controlled the pace of play but they weren't able to find the back of the net as strong goaltending from Martina Fedel continued to hold the Blues off the scoreboard.
 
Entering the third period the Blues pushed for a tying goal. However, Guelph's third period defence was also able to provide them with strong offensive breakout opportunities to add to their lead, but Fryer made some of the best of her 30 saves to give the Blues a chance to win.

But with multiple chances to tie the game in the third period, the Blues just weren't able to find the back of the net. Despite the loss, the Blues battled until the final buzzer with the physicality between the two teams looking to ramp up for Game 2 of the series.
 
The semifinals will now shift to Varsity Arena for Game 2 on Friday (Mar. 1) night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed live on OUA.tv.