The York University Lions women's hockey team opened up the season with a 3-1 defeat to the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday (Oct. 11) in Guelph, Ont.
 
The Lions were able to open up the scoring with a goal by Tonisha Maisonneuve (North Bay, Ont.) and an assist from Dana Somerville (Hockley, Ont.) at 7:28 of the first period.
 
The Gryphons did not let the Lions take the lead for very long, however, as Averi Nooren scored a power play goal at 9:07, assisted by Jessica Pellegrino and Kaitlyn Mora, to even the score at 1-1.
 
In the second period, Christine Grant scored another power play goal at 9:26, assisted by Leigh Shilton and Jessica Pinkerton to give the Gryphons their first lead of the day.
 
 
The Gryphons scored again in the third period, at 14:24, by Mackenzie Wong, leaving the score at 3-1.
 
The Lions played a hard fought game as they fired 32 shots compared to the Gryphons' 28 shots. Guelph goalie Stephanie Nehring played an exceptional game, saving 31 of the 32 shots the Lions hammered at her. Her York counterpart, Megan Lee, made 25 saves in the loss.
 
Up next for the Lions is a game against the Brock Badgers on Sunday (Oct. 12) in St. Catharines, Ont.