This sunny Sunday afternoon, the York University Lions took the field at Warrior Field in Waterloo for the OUA Gold Medal Game against the Toronto Varsity Blues in the ultimate all-Toronto OUA showdown. In 2022, the Blues claimed the gold, and in 2023, the Lions snatched it back. This time, both teams faced off once again to prove who truly ruled the city.

The Lions entered the matchup with an 8-1-2 record, while the Blues stood at 5-4-2. After an electric semifinal the day before, the Lions were locked in and determined to capture the gold they had narrowly missed last season after falling in the semifinals. 

Right from the opening whistle, the Lions came out sharp, controlling possession and dictating the pace of play. Early on, Jewel Lew found her spot after a corner-pass assist and buried the first goal of the game. York kept the pressure high, holding the ball for most of the period and closed out the opening frame with a 1-0 lead. 

In the second period, the aggression and intensity ramped up. The Blues tried to swing the momentum back their way but found themselves committing multiple fouls. The Lions fed off their earlier success, attacking relentlessly. In the fourth minute, York's Avery Davis slipped through defenders and added another goal, extending the lead to 2-0. Despite the Blues' pushback, the Lions headed into the break still on top. 

The third period was gritty and full of fouls on both sides. The Blues had a chance to close the gap with a penalty shot but couldn't convert. Both defences dug in deep, battling for every inch, but York held firm, ending the quarter still up 2-0. 

In the fourth, the Blues finally broke through to make it 2-1. But the Lions refused to let up. Moments later, Kathryn Carlow charged down the field and struck again, restoring York's two-goal cushion. That goal sealed the deal, giving the Lions the momentum to finish strong and claim the OUA Championship.

LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will now turn their attention to the National University Championship, hosted in partnership between U SPORTS and Field Hockey Canada. The team will travel to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, with the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) hosting the tournament from October 30 to November 2, 2025. Having captured a national silver medal in 2024, the Lions are now prepared for another strong showing as they launch their quest for national gold