The York University Lions women's hockey went head-to-head with the Western Mustangs on the road in London on Friday night. This the penultimate game of the season for York, the Lions were looking to sweep the season series against the Mustangs after beating them 2-1 in the season opener on Oct. 10.
York came out strong and fast in the first period. Just 1:05 in, Alexa Giantsopoulos opened the scoring for the Lions, her fifth of the year, with Natalie Mamone drawing the lone assist. The intensity quickly picked up as both teams battled for control. Western responded when Sara Forwell found the back of the net for her fourth of the season, followed by Leah Barnes, who potted her second to give the Mustangs a 2-1 lead. However, rookie defender Clara Liu evened things back up for York late in the period with her first OUA goal, sending the teams into the intermission tied 2-2.
Both teams entered the second period determined to make a statement. Early in the frame, Kate Suitor slipped the puck past Lions goaltender Olivia Tran to restore Western's lead. The Lions dominated on the shot clock in the second, outshooting the Mustangs 15-3. They were rewarded midway through the period when Giantsopoulos struck again, sneaking past the defence to notch her second goal of the night and sixth of the year to level the score at 3-3 after 40.
The final period was intense from start to finish. Shots were few and far between, increased their physical play. As the clock wound down, it seemed the game was destined for overtime. However, in the final seconds, a broken play led to a shot from Lexy Anonech that was knocked down before Jill Milligan put home the rebound with 5.1 seconds left for her first of the year. The Lions would hold on to steal three points from the Mustangs, taking this one by a final of 4-3.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will wrap up the 2025-26 season Saturday afternoon in Windsor, looking to close the year on a high note against a Lancer team needing at least a point or a Brock loss to secure home ice in the OUA play-in game. Puck drop is set for 4:00 pm live on OUA TV.
