University of Toronto Athletics

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the York Lions 5-0 on Friday (Nov. 13) morning at Varsity Arena.

In front of a packed arena for U of T's school day game, fourth-year forward Christina Alexiou earned the attention of the class – receiving a cross-crease pass in the slot from fellow fourth-year forward Abby Whitworth, opening the scoring less than three minutes into the game. York found their footing, generating some pressure in the offensive zone but the crowd rallied behind third-year goaltender Lyla McKinnon, cheering the Toronto native on with every save. Midway through the first period, fifth-year forward Emma Elders capitalized on the power play, ripping a shot bar-down off a feed from third-year defender Taylor Thompson. The Blues kept their foot on the gas pedal giving themselves a three-goal lead before the end of the period as second-year defender Olivia Brassard fired a shot where Lions netminder Olivia Tran couldn't control the rebound, and fourth-year forward Taylor Delahey was on the doorstep for her first goal of the season.

The Blues added a pair of goals in the second period with an early one from Whitworth and a late goal by Elders. Less than four minutes into the period, second-year forward Dawson Benson carried the puck into the offensive zone, setting up a trailing Whitworth who fired a shot over Tran's blocker. With seven seconds to go in the middle frame, Elders picked up her second goal of the game with a goal from distance.

In the third period, the Blues shut the door, as McKinnon stayed strong in her crease, finishing the game with an 11-save shutout. Offensively, the Blues kept controlling the pace of play with 19 shots on goal in the final frame and tenacity on display from veteran forwards Kaitlyn McKnight and Ryleigh Horlock. Overall, Toronto's offence was balanced, with nine players getting their names on the scoresheet and a multi-point game from Elders, Whitworth and McKnight. Meanwhile, U of T's defence was effective in cutting off passing lanes and stifling York when they'd try to break into the Blue and White's zone.

The Blues are back in action when they host the Ottawa Gee-Gees at Varsity Arena on Saturday (Nov. 13) afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will be streamed live on oua.tv.