The York University Lions Field Hockey team hosted the Queen's Gaels in the first game of their season-closing home-and-home. The Lions sought to enter the OUA final four with momentum, as well as increase their chances of hosting a game. 

York also celebrated the graduating Lions for senior day at Alumni Field. Caitlin Miller and Jade Lew were honored for their outstanding contributions to the Lions over their time as Lions. 

The Lions were the aggressors in the first quarter, applying consistent pressure to the Gaels defence. The Lions had three penalty corners in the period but couldn't net a goal, keeping the game scoreless after one.  

York continued to apply the same offensive pressure as they did in the first, but this time, they were rewarded. Gwendolyn Beauchamp got the Lions on the board off a long strike that found the back of the net and gave York a 1-0 lead. They doubled the lead near the end of the period off the stick of Aria Thompson, whose penalty corner marker found its way through a crowd of Gaels and past. The goal gave the Lions a 2-0 lead heading into the second half.  

With just under four minutes left in the third quarter, York added to its lead. Avery Davis executed a slapshot that found the back of the net to increase their lead to 3-0, which they would maintain heading into the fourth frame. 

In the fourth quarter's opening minute, Kathyrn Carlow scored a goal that increased York's lead to 4-0. Then, Juliet Redelaar added another goal for York two minutes later to make the game 5-0 in favor of the Lions, who held strong defensively the remainder of the day to preserve the shutout victory. 

LOOKING AHEAD: 

The Lions travel to Kingston on Sunday to face the Gaels in the second half of the home-and-home series in what will be the regular season finale. Game time is 1:00 pm.