Weekend wrap: Football Lions defeated by Golden Hawks in tightly contested home opener

Lions logo
York U Lions

The York University Lions football team suffered a narrow defeat by a score of 18-10 at the hands of the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks in their home opener at Alumni Field on Labour Day Monday.

It was a defensive battle from start to finish as the two teams combined to put up just 613 total yards of offence and the 28 points. Defensive back Talik Ehouman and linebacker Damian Jamieson led the Lions with 7.5 tackles each, while defensive lineman Kwadwo Boahen was dominant all afternoon with four tackles, including 3.5 for a loss of 13 yards, and 1.5 sacks.

Alex Daley runs back an 82-yard punt return touchdown. Photo by Jojo Qian

The Lions got pinned in their end early and conceded a safety for the first points of the game. The 2-0 score held until just before the end of the opening quarter, when Nathan Mesher converted a 27-yard field goal for a 5-0 Laurier lead. More details on the York Lions website.

Rugby Lions begin season with big victory over Varsity Blues

The York University Lions women’s rugby team began the 2019 season with a lopsided victory over the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, winning 59-12 at Varsity Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The result was never really in doubt as the Lions scored just one minute into the game and built a 31-0 lead in the first half.

Lauryn Legerton scored the opening try and added another early in the second half to record 10 points on the day. Natasha Naismith converted six kicks and added a try of her own to lead all players with 17 points. More details.

Men’s soccer Lions held to scoreless draw with Gryphons

The York University Lions men’s soccer team was held scoreless in their first game of the season, as they tied the University of Guelph Gryphons 0-0 on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field.

In what always seems to turn into a physical matchup, this game was no different, with three yellow cards handed out and 14 fouls committed throughout the game. The Lions saw great defensive coverage from veteran defenders Josh Kiselyov and Francesco Sinopoli as Guelph was held to no corner kicks and two shots on net in the first half. More details.

Women’s soccer Lions drop season opener at home to Guelph

The York University Lions women’s soccer team fell to the University of Guelph Gryphons 2-1 in their season opener at home at Alumni Field on Saturday.

The Gryphons opened the scoring early in the first half with Victoria Hinchliffe finding the left side of the net in the 16th minute.

It was a tight contest leading into the second half. First-year forward Vanessa Santoriello would put the Lions on the scoreboard in the 64th minute of the second frame. The rookie buried the ball off of a save for her first career goal as a Lion. More details.