Entering the Thursday morning clash with a challenging 0-2 record in the season against the Toronto Varsity Blues, the York University Lions women's hockey team aimed to rewrite their narrative. In a captivating turn of events, they concocted a strategy to break their 14-game losing streak against the Varsity Blues, with the last win dating back to Feb. 16, 2018.

Despite facing a seemingly unfavourable scenario with the Blues leading 2-1 in the third period, the game's narrative unfolded in the most unexpected way. The pivotal moments arrived in the dying seconds of the contest, where Alexa Giantsopoulos and Sydney Paulson orchestrated a spellbinding sequence, as they managed to flip the script to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Varsity Arena.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The opening period was marked by intense action from both ends, as the Varsity Blues sought to disrupt the Lions plans right from the start. However, Emma Wedgewood, undeterred, thwarted their efforts with a series of crucial saves.
• Despite the Blues having the edge and out shooting York 13-8 in the frame, it was Ava Ricker-Singh who turned the tide. Seeking redemption for a penalty called on Taylor Trussler, Ricker-Singh netted her first goal of the season, securing a 1-0 lead within the first six minutes, silencing the Blues fans.
• Just over two minutes into the second period, Sophie Grawbarger of the Blues stepped to the plate early in the frame, as she successfully deked out Wedgewood to level the contest at one apiece. 
• With the Blues out shooting the Lions once again, this time by a 9-3 advantage, Wedgewood maintained her composure and resilience, allowing only one goal, to keep them tied at 1-1 after two.
• The last period kicked off in a tightly contested manner, as both teams engaged in a back-and-forth battle, both eager to seize control and establish a lead. The intense competition persisted until the 10:50 minute mark when Olivia Hilton found Abby Howland, who capitalized on the opportunity, catching Wedgewood off guard and putting her team up 2-1.
• At a juncture where the game seemed to be slipping away from the Lions, Giantsopoulos emerged as the catalyst, fortifying the defence. Seizing control of a rebound, she swiftly one-timed the puck past Erica Fryer, orchestrating a play that thwarted the Blues momentum and brought the score back to a level playing field at 2-2. 
• Amid the visitors gaining momentum, a seemingly routine save by Fryer turned into a dramatic twist. Paulson capitalized on the power play opportunity, deftly placing the puck past Fryer, thereby notching the decisive, game-winning goal to leave the crowd in awe and paving the way for an exhilarating 3-2 victory.  

LOOKING AHEAD:

Entering the final stretch of the season with seven games remaining, the Lions aim to continue their winning ways to secure a playoff berth as they return home to face the Windsor Lancers on Saturday, Jan. 27. The puck-drop is slated for 7:15 pm at Canlan Ice Sports.