Weekend wrap: Football Lions fall to Varsity Blues in Red & Blue Bowl

The York University Lions football team suffered a heart-wrenching 10-8 loss to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the 42nd annual Red & Blue Bowl held on Saturday, Sept. 10, in front of 1,297 fans at York Stadium.

Lions running back Blair Yachetti (centre) during Saturday's Red & Blue Bowl
Above: Lions running back Blair Yachetti (centre) during Saturday’s Red & Blue Bowl

It was the lowest scoring game in Red & Blue Bowl history. The previous record was 20 points, which came in a 14-6 Lions win in the 33rd Red & Blue Bowl.

Fans of mixed allegiance in attendance for the game were treated to an evenly contested affair that saw three different lead changes and a late Lions comeback that ultimately fell short. The Lions are now 0-2 to start the season, but continue to offer fans hope that a win is within arm’s reach. More details on the York Lions website.

Badat scores two in men’s soccer win over Badgers

Alon Badat scored two goals to lead the York University Lions men’s soccer team to a 2-0 victory over the visiting Brock University Badgers at York Stadium on Friday, Sept. 9.

The Thornhill, Ont., native gave his team a 1-0 lead in the 73rd minute when his shot from 15 yards out sailed past Brock goalkeeper Ryan Toale of Brampton, Ont. He currently leads all players in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) with four goals in the first four games.

Badat, the reigning OUA West rookie of the year, had a tremendous game against the Badgers with seven shots on goal, including one in the 82nd minute that beat Toale but rolled just wide of the left goalpost. More details.

Women’s soccer Lions, Badgers play to 1-1 draw

The York University Lions women’s soccer team recorded a 1-1 draw with the Brock University Badgers on Friday afternoon at York Stadium.

The Badgers opened the scoring in the 35th minute when rookie Meaghan Krawczyk scored her second of the season to give the Badgers an early 1-0 lead. But it was short-lived, as the Lions tied it up minutes later on a goal by Nicole Markowitz, also her second of the season. More details.

Women’s rugby Lions defeated by Varsity Blues in season opener

The York University Lions women’s rugby team was defeated 30-24 by the visiting University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the season opener for both teams on Friday night at York.

Toronto built a 15-5 lead at the half and held on for the win despite two late tries by the home team.

The Lions had four players tally five points in the game. Two-time Ontario University Athletics (OUA) all-star Tiera Thomas-Reynolds, Urszula Cieniak and Fedelia Omaghan scored one try each, while rookie Alexis Boltsis had a conversion and a drop-goal. More details.

Field hockey Lions end pre-season tournament with 2-2-1 record

The York University Lions field hockey team hosted a pre-season tournament last weekend at Downsview Park and ended the two-day event with two wins, two losses and a tie in five games.

The Lions shut out their first two opponents, defeating the University of Waterloo Warriors 1-0 and the McMaster University Marauders 2-0 on the opening day of the tournament. They also played a hard-fought contest against a team made up of University of Toronto Varsity Blues alumni and were defeated 3-1.

The home squad played two more games the following day, earning a tie with the Saint Mary’s University Huskies and losing to the Queen’s University Gaels 3-0. More details.