The York University Lions women's field hockey team took on the Guelph Gryphons on Sunday in their home opener. The Lions honoured their 2025 OUA and Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Championship-winning team in a pregame ceremony in which they were presented with their national championship rings.
Coming off a tough 1-0 loss to the Toronto Varsity Blues on Saturday, the Lions looked to split their opening weekend against a Guelph team they defeated Guelph 1–0 in the OUA semifinal on their way to the conference championship last season.
York came out strong in the first quarter,, putting pressure on the Gryphons and creating opportunities in the attacking end. Kathryn Carlow opened the scoring for the Lions, giving York an early lead.
Entering the second quarter, York continued to control possession and dictate the pace of the game. Katie Tye scored midway through the quarter to extend the Lions' lead, before Juliet Redelaar added another goal with 1:23 to go to make it 3-0 York at the break.
The Lions continued their offensive momentum early in the second half, as Redelaar scored again 3:02 into the quarter for her second of the game. That was followed by Carlow's second just 1:32 later to add another goal to York's lead and make it 5-0 through three.
In the fourth quarter, York continued to maintain control of the game. Carlow scored the final goal of the matchup, completing her hat trick in what finished a 6-0 victory for York to earn them their first win of the year.
York's defence remained strong throughout the game, limiting Guelph's opportunities and making it difficult for the Gryphons to build sustained offensive pressure. The Lions held possession for most of the game, allowing them to control the tempo and consistently create scoring opportunities.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will look to win their second straight when they host the McMaster Marauders on Saturday at Alumni Field. Action begins at 11:00 am, as York will look to carry its offensive momentum, strong defensive play and possession control displayed over the opening weekend.
