The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's curling team opened 2026 at the McMaster Invitational Bonspiel, competing in five matches across two days in Hamilton this weekend.

On Saturday (Jan. 3), the Blues began their weekend away with a tough 5-4 loss versus the Brock Badgers. Leading 2-1 after the first four ends of action, it was a two score fifth end that allowed the Badgers to jump ahead of the Blues by one. U of T would then score a single in each of the next two ends, but another two score eighth sealed the victory for Brock.

The Blues then bounced back with a dominant 7-3 win over the York Lions later that day. Toronto found their rhythm in the second half of the match-up, registering six unanswered points across the final three ends of the contest, including a three score fourth end.

On Sunday (Jan. 4) morning, the Blues had another tightly contested match with the Trent Excalibur, falling 6-5. Toronto had early momentum, carrying over their strong end to the first day of competition. With a three score third end, the Blues were able to jump out to a 4-1 lead. However, Trent would ship their way back and with a two score eighth end secure the one-point win.

The Blues then had back-to-back contests versus the host McMaster Marauders. Toronto and McMaster would first finish with a 6-6 tie, including an exciting three score eighth inning for the Blues to even the score with the host. The pair then registered a 1-1 tie to close out competition, seeing Toronto finish with a 1-2-2 (W-L-T) record overall.

Next up, U of T will head to St. Catharines for the Brock University Bonspiel scheduled for Jan. 17-18.