The University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeated the No. 8 nationally ranked Nipissing Lakers 2-1 on Sunday (Oct. 12) afternoon in North Bay, Ont.

With the win, U of T finishes the regular season with a record of 9-2-1 (W-L-T) and have secured the No. 1 seed in the OUA East and have secured a first-round bye in the 2025 playoffs.

The Blues showcased their resilience and clutch factor that has made them one of the top teams in the OUA. In the 87^th minute, fifth-year defender Devon Eisen's goal from distance was the difference maker in propelling the Blues to victory.

Toronto opened the scoring in the 43^rd minute, second-year midfielder Julia Cristovao's free kick from distance made its way into the box. On a heads up play by the Blues to avoid the offside, the ball ended up on the foot of Bryanna Campbell as her goal put Toronto 1-0 going into halftime.

Nipissing's Alicia McMurren tied the match in its late stages with a goal in the 79^th minute. Looking to clinch the No. 1 seed, the Blues didn't let the even score phase them. Third-year goalkeeper Maria Godoy-Atrash pushed the ball up the field and into the Lakers zone. On a failed clearance attempt, Eisen capitalized on the Lakers mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net as U of T held Nipissing's attack at bay until the final whistle.

Godoy-Atrash made six saves in goal for the Blues.

U of T will host an OUA quarter-final match at Varsity Stadium on Saturday (Oct. 18). Tickets will be available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.