The York University Lions field hockey team defeated the Queen's Gaels at Tindall Field in Kingston on Sunday afternoon thanks to some early offensive pressure and key defensive stops, and Mufarowashe Matambo.
The Lions came into the game with a plan to apply heavy pressure on the Queen's net. The Lions generated multiple set-piece opportunities, including penalty corners taken by Elise Piper and Gates McAllister, while Abby Thompson and Juliet Redelaar forced saves from Gaels netminder Sarah Downes. Katie Tye came close to breaking the tie late in the quarter, ringing a shot off the post in the 14th minute sending the teams to the second quarter scoreless.
The Lions broke through early in the second period. In the 17th minute, rookie Mufarowashe Matambo struck for her second of the season to give York a 1–0 lead. York kept the momentum going throughout the quarter, earning another penalty corner from McAllister while maintaining possession. Late in the half, Kathryn Carlow hit the post in the 28th minute, and Avery Davis forced a defensive save from former Lion Hailey Bauder, now of Queen's. The home side responded with a pair of late-first-half penalty corners by Maryn Unger. The first led to a crucial defensive save from York defender Jocelyn Boyd to deny Hailey Bauder, and the second created a chance for Shaela Pinto that missed wide, and the Lions held the 1–0 lead at halftime.
The visitors continued to push in the third quarter, earning additional penalty corners courtesy of McAllister and Sabine Keon, while Tessa Wang sent a shot wide in the 44th minute. Early in the fourth quarter, McAllister took another penalty corner and Tye had a quality opportunity turned away by Bauder on another defensive save in the 47th minute, keeping it a one-goal game.
The Lions continued to look for some insurance, and Keira Ho tested Downes once more in the 52nd minute, but was denied. Meanwhile, Queen's pressed late with consecutive penalty corners by Ainsley Sheahan, but goalkeeper Ella Ciesielski and the Lions' backline stood firm through the final whistle to preserve the clean sheet and secure the 1-0 victory.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will complete a two-game road trip on Saturday when they take on the McMaster Marauders in Hamilton. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.
