The York University Lions women's hockey delivered an important road shutout against the Western Mustangs on Friday night at Thompson Arena. The win marks York's fourth of the season and lifts them from seventh to fifth place in the OUA West standings 

After a scoreless first period where York weathered an early offensive surge from Western, the Lions found their rhythm in the second. At 11:28, Lola Massey capitalized on a power play opportunity, scoring her first goal of the season, with Kaitlin Teixeira drawing the only assist. York struck again late in the period, with Alexa Giantsopoulos converting another power play chance at 18:22. Ava Ricker-Singh authored the lone assist on the goal that made it 2-0 through 40. 

The Lions maintained their two-goal lead for most of the third, and then added to it with an empty-net goal by Lexy Anonech at 19:09, with helpers courtesy of Giantsopoulos and Natalie Mamone. 

York's defense and goaltending and special teams were the stories of the night. Western outshot York 31-20, but Emma Wedgewood stood tall between the pipes, stopping all 31 shots she faced to earn her first shutout of the season.  

The Lions cashed in on two of their four power play opportunities, while. in contrast, Western failed to capitalize on any of their four power-play chances, highlighting York's robust penalty-killing efforts. 

LOOKING AHEAD: 

The Lions get set to head further west, as they face the Windsor Lancers tomorrow night. Windsor, battling for first place in the OUA West, presents a formidable challenge, while York looks to avenge a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Lancers last Friday. Opening faceoff is set for 7:30 pm.