The York University Lions women's rugby team put up a strong effort but was ultimately defeated by the No. 1 nationally ranked McMaster Marauders by a score of 42-13 on Friday night (Sept. 16) at the York Rugby Field.
 
The two teams played a tight first half that ended with McMaster leading by only nine points, at 17-8. But a strong second half by the defending OUA and CIS champions gave them their second win of the season. The Lions fell to 1-1 with the loss.
 
Cat Belanger (Orleans, Ont.) opened the scoring with a penalty goal for a 3-0 lead, but McMaster quickly responded on a try by Stephanie Black.
 
The Lions took the lead again on a try by Tobi Owotomo (Mississauga, Ont.) but before the half was done the Marauders scored a pair of tries and added a conversion.
 
The Marauders then scored five straight tries in the second half to take an insurmountable lead. The Lions got one back late by Michela Stratton (Fort Erie, Ont.) but by then the game was already out of reach.
 
Sara Svoboda had an impressive game to lead all players with 17 points on three tries and one conversion. Black added a pair of tries, while Katie Svoboda, Colleen Irowa and Maddi Cohoon each scored one.
 
Next up for the Lions is their first road trip of the season. They will head to Peterborough, Ont., for a Saturday afternoon game (Sept. 24) against the Trent Excalibur beginning at 1pm. Last year the Lions defeated the Excalibur 38-23 at home.