The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the No. 4 nationally ranked Laurier Golden Hawks 3-1 on Saturday (Feb. 7) night at Varsity Arena.

Backstopping the Blues was second-year goalie Lyla McKinnon who slammed the door shut with 43 saves to upset the Golden Hawks.

The Golden Hawks were quick to strike when Marra Klassen found the back of the net to put Toronto behind early. The Blues pushed back with pace but when trouble ensued, McKinnon and the Blues penalty kill were strong to stifle the Golden Hawks in the offensive zone and keep the puck out of the back of the net to keep the game within reach.

In a scoreless middle frame, McKinnon continued to prove why she is one of the best netminders in the OUA. The social science student remained rock-solid between the pipes, turning aside all 18 Laurier shots on goal in the middle frame. While McKinnon anchored the team in the defensive zone, the Blues looked to beat Laurier's Sarah Howell for an equalizer but the score was unchanged after 40 minutes of play.

McKinnon continued her stellar performance in the third period as the Toronto native would not be beat. McKinnon's goaltender kept U of T in the game and the offence found the back of the net in the late stages of the period. Scoring the equalizer was first-year forward Petra Klimes who pulled the puck across the zone and netted her sixth goal of the season.

The goal went to the Blue and White's legs as quick feet forced the Golden Hawks to take a late penalty. The Blues power play made their mark as fifth-year defender Kalie Chan danced her way into the offensive zone and fired a tape-to-tape pass to third-year forward Ashley Delahey who ripped home the go-ahead goal to give U of T their first lead of the game with 45 seconds remaining. With Howell pulled for the extra attacker, third-year forward Christina Alexiou's empty net goal sealed the win for the Blues.

The Blues will conclude the regular season on Friday (Feb. 13) night when they host the Ottawa Gee-Gees. 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.