The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team fell 5-2 the Windsor Lancers on Friday (Jan. 23) night in Windsor, Ont.

The Lancers capitalized early on their chances in the first period. Keana McKibbin opened the scoring in the opening minute of the game. The quick start for Windsor continued with goals from Teagan Pare and Elissa Benjamin before Phoebe Gao rounded out the period. Despite the four-goal swing, the Blues continued to generate sustained pressure and finished the period with structure and staying committed to their game.

The second period saw the Blues put on a defensive clinic, locking the Lancers down in the neutral zone and limiting them to five shots in the period. At the other end of the ice, U of T fired 10 shots on Rebecca Noble as they looked to get back in the game but neither side could change the scoreboard before the buzzer. Despite the scoreless period, Toronto spent extended shifts in the offensive zone, looking to tilt the ice in their favour.

U of T's persistence paid off in the third period as third-year forward Abby Whitworth set up fellow third-year forward Christina Alexiou to give the Blues momentum. Building off of Alexiou's goal, third-year forward Taylor Delahey followed up with a goal of her own as Whitworth notched her second point of the night and third-year forward Ashley Delahey picked up her team-leading 12^th assist of the season. As the period progressed U of T looked to swing the score in the favour but an empty net goal from Amber Esterbrooks secured the win for Windsor.

First-year goalie Jillian Matthews and third-year goalie Carlee Vance combined for 18 saves.

The Blues are back in action on Saturday (Jan. 24) night when they continue their road trip in London, Ont., to take on the Western Mustangs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.