Weekend wrap: Women’s hockey Lions win latest clash in crosstown rivalry

The York University Lions women’s hockey team used a distinct home-crowd advantage to triumph 2-1 over the visiting University of Toronto Varsity Blues at Canlan Ice Sports Arena on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 5.

The afternoon game took on special meaning for the Lions and the York community as it marked the third annual “Roar for a Cure” charity hockey event, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society. There was a special incentive for the Lions to put on a great show for the packed house of supporters and the team proved that they were up for the challenge.

From the outset the Lions took charge, outshooting their opponents 12 to five in the scoreless first period. See more details at the York Lions website.

Women’s basketball Lions earn fourth victory of the season

The York University Lions women’s basketball team heads into the holiday season on a high note, pushing their way past the Laurentian University Lady Vees 62-49 in Sudbury on Saturday, Dec. 4, for their fourth win of the season.

At 4-5, the Lions have already surpassed last year’s win total for the whole season and are currently tied with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees for third place in the Ontario University Athletic (OUA) standings.

The Lions started the game strong in the first quarter, putting up 19 points while holding the Lady Vees to 13. With the help of great shooting from York guard Emily Perras, the Lions took a 36-25 point lead into the half. Perras finished the game with 19 points while topping the score sheet for the Lions. More details.

Men’s basketball Lions downed by Voyageurs in Sudbury

It was a tough loss for the York University Lions men’s basketball team as the Laurentian University Voyageurs took an 82-69 victory in Sudbury on Saturday evening.

In the first half of the game the Voyageurs took advantage of nine turnovers to take 41-26 lead. The Voyageurs grew their lead to 21 points after the third quarter with another strong defensive effort, limiting the Lions to just 15 points.

The Lions produced a strong effort in the fourth quarter with 28 points, outshooting Laurentian by eight, but it was not enough to close the gap completely. More details.

Men’s hockey Lions close fall semester with loss to Laurier

The York University Lions men’s hockey team lost 4-1 to the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in Waterloo on Saturday evening in their final game before the long December break.

The Lions started the game aggressively, pouring on the shots and outshooting the Golden Hawks throughout the first period. They had some close scoring opportunities, including one by third-year forward Cassidy Preston, who narrowly missed an open net off a sharp angled rebound.

Soon after, Laurier’s Mitchell Good went in on a breakaway. Lions’ goalie David Blair stonewalled the first attempt, but was unable to recover in time to stop the rebound from Jean-Michel Rizk, who notched his 10th goal of the season. As the goal was being announced, Hawks fourth-year centre Colin Williams added another to push the score to 2-0. More details.