The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's lacrosse team opened the season with an 8-7 overtime loss to the McMaster Marauders on Saturday (Sept. 10) afternoon in Hamilton, Ont.

In a thrilling back and forth game, U of T were able to jump out to a 3-0 lead prior to the Marauders coming back to tie the game. Tied at three goals apiece, Toronto and McMaster traded chances with neither team getting a lead of more than one-goal before an overtime winner by Raegan Wilson served as the difference maker.

On the offensive side, fifth-year attack Rheanna Swanson led the way for the Blue and White with a four-goal performance in the season opener. Although putting forward a strong performance offensively was first-year attack midfielder Cassie Chan as the Burnaby, B.C., native netted a hat trick in her women's lacrosse debut. Meanwhile, Jasleen Sandhu and Erin Middleton each garnered assists in the afternoon matchup. First-year goalie Elizabeth Wu got the start in net for U of T.

For the Marauders, Wilson had a four-goal and one-assist performance. Meanwhile, Nikki Staley had a two-goal game and Sophie Steele and Mackenzie Forbes each netted a goal as well.

The Blues are back in action on Sunday (Sept. 13) afternoon taking on the Guelph Gryphons and Laurier Golden Hawks in Waterloo, Ont. The games are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m., and 5:15 p.m., respectively.