The York University Lions women's hockey team welcomed the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks to Canlan Ice Sports on Friday night in the first of a back-to-back on home ice for the Lions. York entered the contest sitting fourth in the OUA West with a 4–3-1-0 record, while the Ridgebacks stood sixth in the OUA East at 3-5-0-1, looking to climb the standings and gain momentum as the first half of the season winds down.

The first period presented a cautious start from both sides, as each team focused on tightening up defensively and limiting turnovers in the neutral zone. Ontario Tech struck first at 15:32, when Julia Jackson found the back of the net shorthanded to give the Ridgebacks a 1–0 lead heading into the intermission.

York looked to respond in the second frame, generating several quality chances from the likes of Ginger Fast and Lexy Anonech, but Ridgebacks goaltender Zoe McGee stood tall. Ontario Tech extended their lead late in the period at 17:33, with Milana Perri scoring off a feed from Cassandra Delves. That pushed the visitors ahead 2–0 after 40 minutes.

The Lions continued to press in the third period, and their persistence paid off when Ginger Fast scored her fifth goal of the season at 18:00, assisted by Alexa Giantsopoulos and Nicole York, cutting the deficit to one. Despite a strong late push and several close calls in the dying minutes, York couldn't find the equalizer before the final buzzer and dropped this one 2-1.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Lions won't have to wait long for a chance to bounce back. They'll return to the ice Saturday afternoon, hosting the Ottawa Gee-Gees. Puck drop set for 2:00 pm.