It all came down to this for the York University Lions field hockey team as they battled the Victoria Vikes in the gold medal game at the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship on Sunday afternoon on home turf at Alumni Stadium.

The visitors from Vancouver Island took their first step toward that sixth straight banner early in this one, as they opened the scoring in just the second minute, as the Vikes were awarded a penalty stroke. Anni Kleinschmidt stepped up to the spot and sent it past York netminder Jade Lew to give the Vikes a 1-0 lead. 

The Lions couldn't generate much offensively in the opening half, but they held the Vikes off the board and trailed by only a single goal at halftime. 

The Lions came out much more aggressive in the third, and they were rewarded with a few scoring chances. Their best came midway through the third quarter off a penalty corner. Natalie Brown got a shot off from the top of the circle, but Vikes keeper Anais Chace got her shoulder on it to send it high. 

The Lions kept the game close into the fourth quarter, with Victoria maintaining its one-goal lead. York allowed the Vikes only one shot toward goal in the second half, but were unable to find the goal to bring them level, as Victoria held on for the 1-0 victory. 

LOOKING AHEAD: 

The Lions now shift their focus to the 2025 season in what promises to be another bright year for one of the premier programs in the country.