Box Score The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team wrapped up exhibition play with a 3-2 win over the Guelph Gryphons on Friday (Oct. 3) night at Varsity Arena. 

In one last game before the regular season, the Varsity Blues came out hard and opened the scoring midway through the first period. Third-year forward Christina Alexiou sent a pass to second-year forward Laralee Rizarri, who shot it far side and into the back of the net. Less than two minutes later Guelph responded as Rachael Brazeau's equalizer sent the two sides tied 1-1 going into the first intermission.

The Gryphons took the lead in the second period when Deija Houston picked up a pass from Jayden Calder in front of the net. The goal didn't phase U of T as they got the equalizer when second-year forward Ryleigh Horlock went down on a breakaway after receiving a pass from fourth-year forward Kaitlyn McKnight. The Pickering, Ont., native beat goaltender Sophie Helfenstein. At the other end of the ice, second-year Blues goaltender Lyla McKinnon made some of the best of her 37 saves in the game to keep the game tied at 2-2 after two periods of play. 

The Blues came out flying in the final 20 minutes of play, retaking the lead 72 seconds into the period as Horlock buried her second of the night. As the third period progressed the Blues were strong defensively. A late push from the Gryphons saw McKinnon and U of T's defence stand tall until the final buzzer to secure the win.
 
The Blues next game is on Friday, Oct. 10 when they open the regular season against the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.