The York University Lions field hockey team has built themselves to have a winning culture over the last several years, now looking to go back-to-back as OUA Champions. Though the journey to get to this moment might have felt long for some of these players, the wait for the OUA Championships is over as the Lions are prepared to take on the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday.

After a successful first-half of the season, the York Lions only had one slip up towards the end, losing 2-0. Against who? The Toronto Varsity Blues. The Lions and Varsity Blues have quite a playoff history against one another, marking this as the fourth year in a row that they will meet each other in the post-season. The Varsity Blues got the better of the Lions in the OUA semi-finals in 2019 and 2021, however, York closed on the opportunity when the title was on the line, defeating Toronto last season in the OUA Championship game 2-1. 

"It's a new day and a different game with a different level of importance. This is a new season with new energy and positivity" said Head Coach Zeeshan Minhas about the teams history with the Varsity Blues.

The Lions offense has been a powerhouse this year finishing second in the OUA with 43 goals. Lexi Hannah lead the OUA with 10 goals and 22 points, followed closely behind teammate Elyse Ives who is second in the OUA with 5 assists and 15 points.

While the offense battled to the top of the standings, Jade Lew and her defensive unit allowed the fewest goals this season in the OUA (3), solidifying the lowest goals-against average (0.58).

"In order for us to be successful, our whole team has to perform as a cohesive unit and lead within their roles on the field," said Minhas.

The Lions and Blues will face off at Alumni Field on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1:00pm for the OUA Championship title.