The York University Lions field hockey team opened the 2025 playoffs against the Guelph Gryphons in a heavyweight matchup in the semi-finals at the OUA Final Four on Saturday afternoon in Waterloo. For the Lions, this was the first stop on the road to capture an OUA championship for the first time since 2022 and make their second straight Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championships appearance.

The Lions controlled the pace in the first quarter, although Guelph's defence was able to hold up early. The Lions were able to muster a couple of shots and hold the majority of ball possession to set the tone.

York had an early chance in the crease in the second, but the ball was smothered up by goalie Katharine Flye at the last second. Later, a long shot from Guelph was deflected just wide of the net in a period that saw the Gryphons gain some of the momentum back. The Lions ended the period still up in shots, and leading in penalty corners at 8-0, but it remained 0-0 at halftime.

The Lions finally broke it open in the final seconds of the third period, where the open Katie Tye received a pass on the left side of the crease, and fired a wrist shot past Flye's left shoulder and into the net to go up 1-0. After relentless York pressure, the Gryphons were forced to rally going into the final frame.

The Lions defence was able to stand tall, and goalie Ella Ciesielski was able to keep the slate clean to help hold off late offensive rushes by Guelph. A final stand saw the Lions clear the ball and keep it in the Gryphons zone in the last two minutes, as time ran out. With a 1-0 win, the Lions will be moving on to the OUA championship against the Toronto Varsity Blues.

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions will face the Blues in an all-Toronto matchup OUA title game, a rematch of both the 2022 and 2023 games, which the teams split. The game will take place Sunday at 2:30 pm from Warrior Field in Waterloo. You can stream it live, free of charge on OUA TV.