The York University Lions women's hockey team played the No. 9 nationally ranked Western Mustangs in their season opener and were defeated 5-3 during their away game on Friday night in London, Ont.
 
York's Kelsey McHolm opened up the game with a goal in the first 26 seconds, which was assisted by Taylor Davison. The early goal gave the Lions a 1-0 lead over the Mustangs. Close to the end of the first period, Western answered with a goal of their own by Renae Nevills, bringing the game to a 1-1 tie.
 
In the second period, McHolm was once again able to open the period with a goal, this time assisted by forwards Brooke Anderson and Kara Washer with 5:03 on the clock.
 
The Lions led 2-1 until the Mustangs were able to take the lead from the Lions as they fired two goals in a three minute span soon after McHolm's second tally. Brooke Dicicco and Hannah Irwin accounted for the two Western scores.
 
By the end of the second period, the Mustangs still led 3-2 against the visiting Lions.
 
At the beginning of the third period, the Mustangs were able to extend their lead as forward Sydnee Baker found the back of York's net. York responded with a goal by Madison Davey during a power play, bringing the score to a 4-3 game in Western's favour. 
 
With minutes remaining in the third, Western's Emma Suitor was able to get a final goal in on the Lions to finish off the game.
 
The Lions are on the road once again tomorrow night as they take on the Windsor Lancers in Windsor, Ont., Puck drop is at 4pm.