The University of Toronto women's hockey team defeated the Guelph Gryphons 3-1 in an exhibition game on Saturday (Sept. 28) night at Varsity Arena.

Both teams traded chances throughout the opening frame but the Blues were able to break the ice early when they generated pressure in the offensive zone. Third-year defender Madison Tiro sent a shot towards the Guelph net and as traffic ensued in front of the net, second-year forward Christina Alexiou beat Guelph's goaltender Sophie Helfenstein blocker side to give the Blues a 1-0 lead. Toronto carried the momentum from Alexiou's goal for the rest of the period, going into the first intermission with a one goal lead.

In the second period the Blues added to their lead as they applied pressure in the offensive zone, with Tiro sending a pass down low to first-year forward Jasmine Comeau. Comeau set up third-year forward Isabella Greco who found the back of the net to double the Blues lead. 

As the period progressed first-year goalie Lyla McKinnon made excellent saves to keep the Blues ahead. Guelph found the back of the net late in the second frame when forward Sarah Callaghan beat McKinnon to make it a 2-1 game. 

In the third period, the Blues played a strong defensive game, cutting off Guelph's shooting lanes as McKinnon, who finished the game with 41 saves, continued to make stellar saves to keep the Blues ahead by one goal.

In the final two minutes of the game the Gryphons pushed for an equalizer with their net empty. The Blues were able to get the puck out of their defensive zone and fourth-year defender Emma Potter shot the puck into the empty net to secure a 3-1 win for the Blues.

The Blues continue their preseason on Friday (Oct. 4) night when they take on the Windsor Lancers in Windsor, Ont. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.