The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Western Mustangs 6-1 on Friday (Feb. 6) night at Varsity Arena.

The Blues exploded out of the gate, opening the scoring less than four minutes into the game when first-year forward Karelle Daigle capitalized off of a giveaway at Western's blue line and sent a tape-to-tape pass to second-year forward Scarlett Jones, who snapped a short side shot for her first goal of the season. The Blues power play capitalized shortly afterwards as third-year forward Taylor Delahey finished off a pass from her twin sister Ashley Delahey. U of T brought a 3-0 lead into the first intermission when third-year forward Abby Whitworth fired home second-year defender Sadie Watkins Southward's pass for her OUA-leading 19^th goal of the season.

In the second period, Toronto kept third foot on the gas with another three-goal period. Blues captain Kaitlyn McKnight found the back of the net when she deflected a pass in front of the net from second-year forward Rylee Horlock. The assist marked Horlock's first point in the OUA. Soon afterwards, fourth-year forward Emma Elders converted on a feed from Daigle for her third goal of the season and Daigle's second assist of the game. Special teams struck again for the blues as third-year forward Christina Alexiou struck on a shorthanded breakaway with a slick move in front of goaltender Ella Brabrook to find the back of the net.

The Mustangs broke through in the third period when Lacey Larmand struck midway through the frame. The Blues were able to hold the fort as second-year goaltender Lyla McKinnon was stellar between the pipes, turning aside 34 shots in the game as Western pushed in the third period.

The Blues are back in action on Saturday (Feb. 7) night when they host the No. 4 nationally ranked Laurier Golden Hawks. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.