The York University Lions field hockey team opened their 2024 campaign on the road against the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday at Warrior Field.
 
The Lions are seeking to work towards a return trip to the OUA Championship game for the third consecutive season. The Warriors are looking to build upon a strong 8-3 season that landed them a playoff spot in 2023.
  The Lions started fast. In the third minute of the opening quarter, Katie Tye scored the first goal of the match, giving York a 1-0 lead. It was a lead that the Lions would take heading into the second, as the game was a defensive stalemate.
 
The Lions continued to apply pressure on the Warriors in the second quarter. York thwarted two Waterloo scoring attempts. The first came on a block in the 19th minute. The second came on a save by goalkeeper Jade Lew in the 21st minute. York maintained their 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
 
In the third quarter, York continued to halt any Waterloo scoring opportunities, while also creating a few of their own. York attempted three shots in the third, all of which were saved by Waterloo. The aggression on offence and defence helped York keep their 1-0 lead heading into the fourth and final quarter.
 
The fourth quarter brought more of the same for both teams. Neither side was able to put any more points on the board. In the end, the Lions walked away with a 1-0 victory.
   
Looking Ahead: York returns to Alumni Field for their Home Opener on Sunday, September 22 to face the Western Mustangs at 4:00 pm.