The York University Lions women's field hockey team opened their 2025 campaign on Saturday morning at the Gryphon Soccer Complex in Guelph, battling the Gryphons to a hard-fought 1–1 draw.
The Lions are coming off an 8–2 season in 2024–25, a year highlighted by a bronze medal finish at the OUA Championship and a silver at the inaugural Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship. With several returning veterans and a new tandem of rookie goalkeepers in Ella Ciesielski and Alyssa Key, York entered the season looking to build on last year's success and take the next step.
York came out strong in the opening quarter, capitalizing at the nine-minute mark when Kathryn Carlow broke free and finished unassisted to put the Lions ahead 1–0. The Gryphons equalized early in the second quarter as Harper Griffin found the back of the net in the 16th minute to make it 1–1.
From there, both defenses held firm. Despite a physical contest marked by multiple green cards, neither side was able to generate further scoring opportunities. The match finished level, with both teams walking away with a point to start the season.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions continue their opening weekend road trip on Sunday, when they head to London to take on the Western Mustangs at 11:00 am.
