Weekend wrap: Men’s soccer Lions finish fifth at U SPORTS championships

The York University Lions men’s soccer team finished in fifth place at the U SPORTS championships with a penalty-kicks victory over the Carleton University Ravens in their final match after winning the shootout 4-3.

Carleton scored late to tie the match at 1-1 and send the game to penalty kicks, but their first shooter missed his kick, putting the Ravens behind the Lions as Cristian Cavallini scored on his opening attempt.

The two teams traded goals after that until the final round. A goal by Dylan Carreiro would seal the victory, but Carleton goalkeeper Nick Jeffs punched away his shot. The Ravens then sent their final shooter up to the spot with a chance to tie it again, but York netminder Andrew D’Souza made a huge save to give the Lions the victory.

Also scoring for the Lions in penalty kicks were Joey Cicchillo, Jonathan Lao and Sergiu Anton. More details on the York Lions website.

Women’s basketball Lions claim a huge 40-point win over Thunderbirds

The York University Lions women’s basketball team earned a huge 40-point win over the Algoma University Thunderbirds on Saturday night, winning 86-46 at the George Leach Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

The game started with missed opportunities on both sides, and the quarter remained scoreless until the end of the second minute. Katrina Collins-Samuels added the first two points for the Lions by making both her free throws, immediately followed by a successful layup. The Lions used this momentum to storm ahead of the Thunderbirds for the remainder of the quarter, finishing with a 25-11 lead. More details.

Men’s hockey Lions erase first-period deficit for ninth win of season

The York University Lions men’s hockey team recorded its second win of the weekend, and ninth of the season in 11 games, with a 4-2 victory over the Lakehead University Thunderwolves at Canlan Ice Sports on Saturday night.

The Lions erased a 2-1 deficit after the opening period of play to come back and win, remaining atop the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West standings with a sparkling 9-2 record. The Thunderwolves are at 4-5-1 for the season.

The game got off to a bit of a scary start for the Lions. Daniel Del Paggio of the Thunderwolves scored in the second minute of the first period with the assistance of Joseph Leondias and E.J. Faust. After more shots by the Thunderwolves, the Lions were able to descend upon the Thunderwolves’ net and Jack Goranson added the Lions’ first goal of the game. More details.

One night earlier, the Lions skated out of London, Ont., with a 5-4 shootout victory over the Western University Mustangs after surrendering a two-goal lead early in the third period.

The Mustangs took an early lead thanks to an unassisted goal by Spenser Cobbold. The rest of the first period remained quiet, but a flurry of activity in the second period led to frequent scoreboard updates.

Trevor Petersen, assisted by Derek Sheppard, scored the Lions’ first goal of the game at the beginning of the second period. Eleven minutes later, this was followed by another Lions goal, this time from Scott Feser. More details.

Men’s basketball Lions come up just short in narrow loss to Thunderbirds

The York University Lions men’s basketball team came back from 11 points down, but gave up the winning basket with one second remaining in a 73-71 loss to the Algoma University Thunderbirds at George Leach Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on Saturday.

Both teams started the game incredibly strong, and it wasn’t until the third minute that someone was able to breakthrough and score. Unfortunately for the Lions, it was Thunderbird Jermaine Lyle. The Lions were able to turn things around and gain a 14-5 lead with three minutes remaining.

This huge lead was short-lived, however, as a major turn of events saw the Thunderbirds close the gap and then surpass the Lions 17-15 by the end of the quarter. More details.

Men’s volleyball Lions start strong but Rams come back for four-set win

The York University Lions men’s volleyball team took on the Ryerson University Rams in their home-opening match at the Tait McKenzie Centre on Friday. Heading into this match, both teams were undefeated but the No. 2 nationally ranked Rams came out victorious with a 3-1 win.

The match didn’t begin in the favour of the Rams. The Lions wasted no time reminding the Rams whose court they were playing on, storming their way to an early lead. At the Rams’ first time out, the Lions already had a five-point lead. The Lions continued a strong offensive effort and were able to handle the Rams’ attacks well. Outside hitter Andrew Shotbolt’s three services aces played a crucial role in the Lions’ race to 25 points. They went on to easily win the first set 25-17. More details.

Women’s volleyball Lions defeated by Rams in straight sets in home opener

The York University Lions women’s volleyball team hit the Tait McKenzie Centre court in their home-opening match Friday night and lost in straight sets to the undefeated Ryerson University Rams.

The Lions got off to a slow start and the Rams were able to quickly accumulate points on their side of the scoreboard. However, the Lions were able to make some fantastic offensive and defensive plays, which allowed them to make their way up the scoreboard while slowing the Rams’ progress. The set finished with 25-16 for the visiting Rams. More details.