Tag: lions

Lions women’s basketball sign first recruit for 2021-22 season

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York U Lions

York University Lions women’s basketball head coach Erin McAleenan has signed her first recruit for the 2021-22 season: Ashanti Christian.

Christian is a 5-foot-6 guard from Windsor, Ont. with a tremendous history of success on the court and in the classroom. She attended Ecole Secondaire Catholique E.J. Lajeunesse, where she starred for the girls’ basketball team, earning regional all-star honours three times while helping the squad win the OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) gold medal in 2019 and a silver medal in 2018.

Ashanti Christian
Ashanti Christian will join the Lions women’s basketball roster for the 2021-22 season

She also played club basketball with the Windsor Valiants, where she was a two-time JUEL Prep all-star and won the JUEL Prep silver medal in 2019.

“We are thrilled to have Ashanti joining our program,” said McAleenan. “She’s an athletic point guard who creates well for her teammates and is a good on-ball defender. Ashanti’s leadership skills and determined work ethic will also be great additions, and we cannot wait to have her on campus.”

Christian was a three-time honour roll student in high school and will study kinesiology and health science at York.

“I committed to York because, after doing ample research, I have come to the conclusion that York University is perfect for me,” said Christian. “I’m very excited to continue my academic and athletic career at this amazing institution.”

Christian will hit the court with her teammates for the first time next fall for the 2021-22 season.

Vice-Provost, Students Lucy Fromowitz shares a message about a new review of the culture in York’s Athletics and Recreation varsity teams

Vari Hall
Vari Hall

Vice-Provost, Students Lucy Fromowitz has shared a message with the York University community about a new review of the current culture in York’s Athletics and Recreation varsity teams.

The message outlines York’s response to concerns raised. York is launching an independent, third-party review to explore the culture within York’s athletic programs through the lens of the student-athlete’s experiences and make recommendations for improvement.

For the full message, visit the Vice-Provost Students website.

New dome over York Lions Stadium and field conversion will transform Keele Campus

Featured image of the new stadium dome at the Keele Campus
Featured image of the new stadium dome at the Keele Campus

York’s Keele campus will look a bit different come the spring of 2021. A major renovation to the York Lions Stadium is underway that will transform the stadium into the cornerstone of a new vision for athletic and recreation facilities on campus.

Image shows the new stadium dome from above and at ground level
The new stadium dome pictured from above and at ground level

The $8.2-million dollar upgrade includes the installation of a seasonal dome and a new FIFA Quality Pro – 2 Star and World Rugby – 22 Certified artificial turf surface expanded to meet the size standards required to play sports such as soccer and football. The installation of the air-supported dome enclosure, which will be one the largest in Ontario, will convert the existing stadium structure into a multi-use facility that can be used year-round. Work on the field conversion and dome installation began Aug. 10 and is expected to be completed by spring 2021.

Jenn Myers
Jenn Myers

For Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation, Jennifer Myers, the stadium’s conversion to a year-round multi-use facility represents a major step toward establishing a state-of-the-art athletics precinct on the Keele Campus. Myers says the facility will create much-needed space to deliver expanded programs and services such as intramurals, sport clubs and open time for use that will significantly enhance the student experience. The conversion of the stadium will also create a permanent home for the York Lions varsity football and soccer teams as well as the York9 Football Club, a professional soccer franchise that calls the Keele Campus home.

In addition to the installation of a seasonal dome, the new playing surface will be moved closer to the existing stands which will provide a more intimate experience for anyone attending an event at York Lions Stadium. Myers said the new configuration would provide an opportunity to expand the seating capacity of the stadium in the future from its existing base of 4,000 seats when required. In addition, future plans call for the construction of a state-of-the-art pavilion on the south end of the stadium to serve multiple needs of our extensive varsity sports programs.

“Once completed, this stadium will be a fantastic home for our varsity sport teams and a showcase piece for the University as we continue to seek ways to improve our ability to serve and engage our student population,” says Myers.

“The emphasis is first and foremost on providing an exceptional experience for students. It is also our hope the stadium will increase our ability to create a more dynamic campus by enabling us to stage a variety of special events, such as the annual Orientation Welcome Ceremony, concerts and other entertainment opportunities. This type of facility will also position the University to partner with outside groups for special events, sporting competitions, local community programming, as well as provincial and national sport organizations. With the facility located directly across the street from the pioneer subway stop, and closely adjacent-to the 407 and 400 (highways), it is an ideal space to grow our impact on the campus and the community.

“This really is a pivotal project for us as we look towards creating an active and dynamic athletic precinct on the Keele campus to encourage all community partners to be more active and engaged.”

The air-supported seasonal dome structure will see the stadium in use over the winter months. The dome, which once installed will measure 450 by 250 by 75 square feet, will be one of the largest in Ontario. The new professional level turf will offer 112,500 square feet of playing surface.

A unique installation, the project’s general contractor is Chandos Construction. The dome will be in place for five months of the year. A virtual ground-breaking ceremony is being planned for Thursday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m.

To learn more, visit yorklions.ca.

Statement on the cancellation of Lions’ 2020 Fall competition schedule

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York U Lions

The following is a statement issued by Jennifer Myers, executive director, Athletics & Recreation, to the York University community:

Ontario University Athletics (OUA) announced (June 8) the cancellation of all competitive sport until Dec. 31. This announcement was made in concert with similar announcements in Canada West and within Atlantic University Sport, while U SPORTS announced the cancellation of all fall sport championships.

Myers, Jenn
Jennifer Myers

These decisions were not made lightly, and within the OUA, the decision was made by the board of directors. The impact of COVID-19 has been far reaching and sport is no exception. With all OUA institutions announcing the move to hybrid academic delivery models – where some classes may be in person but they will overwhelmingly be delivered online – students and student-athletes need timely information to determine the best decision for themselves regarding their academic pursuits. (Read the full OUA statement.)

COVID-19 also presents significant challenges for institutions to navigate how to protect student-athletes within all Ministry of Health guidelines. Universities must do everything to ensure the health and safety of all students, student-athletes and staff in this time of uncertainty.

While COVID restrictions may change before the start of the fall semester, ensuring a decision was made while students were making critical decisions about how they would prefer to engage in their academic studies this fall was important.

There will be no change to this decision, and the OUA board will examine the opportunity to begin competition in the Winter term in the late fall.

York University Athletics & Recreation supports this decision by the board. We value the well-being and academic success of all our student-athletes. This decision is extremely disappointing to us and many of you will struggle to figure out how to move forward. There will be a range of emotions as you come to terms with the impact of this decision and, as always, we are here to support you.

Please reach out to your support network and your coaches as you take in this news and think about what comes next. Andrea and Debbie are also available for support should you want to talk to them.

Included is a list of questions (2020-21 Fall Sports Calendar Cancellation Q-and-A) that many of you have as you navigate the ‘what’s next.’ There will be a team meeting scheduled by your coach where I will be available to answer any question you have to the best of my ability. We are working on getting more information and it will be provided to you as soon as possible.

This is very disappointing news for all of us and I know it will take time for you to digest what it all means. In the meantime, please know that our entire department is here for you. We pride ourselves on our strong Lions family and we will need to lean on each other now more than ever.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Myers
Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation

CFL and NWHL teams load up on Lions at 2020 drafts

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York U Lions
Erin Locke
Erin Locke

Another herd of York University Lions has joined the professional ranks as the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Canadian Football League (CFL) held their annual drafts this week.

Former York U women’s hockey team captain Erin Locke has been drafted by Toronto’s new NWHL franchise. The 23-year-old was selected 15th overall in the draft’s third round, joining York alumna Kristen Barbara, one of the team’s five inaugural signings, as a member of the fledgling franchise.

Locke joins her hometown’s NWHL team after a memorable career with the Lions. Her five-year stint saw her earn the team captaincy for 2019-20 after leading the team in scoring during three of her five seasons.

Kayden Johnson
Kayden Johnson

She also ranked second in scoring during her rookie season. 2018-19 was an especially remarkable season in Locke’s career, when she cracked the top 10 scorers in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), finishing 10th, despite missing 10 games with an injury.

The NWHL is a six-team league which began play in 2015.

Three members of the Lions football team also saw their professional dreams become a reality with their selections in the CFL draft.

Running back Kayden Johnson was selected in the seventh round, 58th overall, by the B.C. Lions. One pick later, teammate Rossini Sandjong, a defensive lineman, was drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos. In the eighth round, B.C. selected linebacker Damian Jamieson with the 67th overall pick.

Rossini Sandjong
Rossini Sandjong

Johnson, a native of Kerrobert, Sask., did not play this past season due to an injury. In the previous three years, he played in all 24 games for the Lions, picking up 1174 yards on 235 carries and twice finishing in the top 10 in the OUA in total rushes and yards.

He also starred on the track and field team and in 2018 was named York’s male athlete of the year after winning OUA and U SPORTS gold in the 60m hurdles.

Sandjong, from Longueuil, Que., played in five games this season after an injury forced him to miss three. He finished the year with 17 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, and also had a forced fumble.

Damian Jamieson
Damian Jamieson

He was twice named an OUA all-star, and was an all-rookie team member in his debut season. He twice finished in the conference’s top five in tackles for loss and was ranked among the OUA’s top 10 in sacks in each of his first three years.

Jamieson is from Oakville, Ont., and has played in 29 games throughout his four-year career with the Lions. He has finished second on the team in total tackles in each of the last two years and in his rookie season was the team’s special teams Most Valuable Player.

2018 was his best season when he had a career-high 39.5 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks.

This is the second straight year the Lions have had three selections in the CFL draft, after Nikola Kalinic, Jacob Janke and Colton Hunchak were picked in 2019.

Two York Lions nominated for Bryce M. Taylor Award

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York U Lions

Two York University Lions student-athletes have been nominated for the Bryce M. Taylor Award. The winner will be announced at the online varsity banquet on April 22.

As nominees, both are also recipients of a prestigious Lions Legacy Award, which are presented to the graduating student-athletes who have, throughout the undergraduate years, made outstanding contributions to varsity sport at York University. Leadership, dedication, enthusiasm and participation in all aspects of varsity sport will be considered qualifications for this award.

This year’s female Lions Legacy Award recipients and nominees for the Bryce M. Taylor Award are volleyball player Tara Leithead and hockey player Erin Locke.

Tara Leithead – Volleyball

A summary of Leithead’s accomplishments:

Tara Leithead
Tara Leithead
  • Key role player who has switched positions multiple times throughout her career
  • Three-time academic all-Canadian
  • Completing a double major in social work and education
  • Has completed two placements for her programs – TDSB and Children’s Aid Society
  • President of York Sport Council
  • Plans Lions 4 Lions events and leads community service initiatives – LeadHERS, Relay for Life, Dig for a Cure, Shoreham sport clinics
  • Known as the “mother hen” of the team
  • Works at the Tait front desk as a client services representative
  • Three-time recipient of the Mary Lyons Award
  • Assistant coach for the Scarborough Titans 13U team

Erin Locke – Hockey

Erin Locke
Erin Locke

A summary of Locke’s accomplishments:

  • OUA Marion Hillard Award recipient for academics, athletics and community service
  • Played on the U SPORTS all-star team that competed at the Hockey Canada Summer Development Series last August
  • Four-time academic all-Canadian
  • Team captain
  • PAWS mentor
  • Volunteers at St. Johns Rehabilitation Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital every week
  • Actively involved in the team’s ongoing relationship with HEROS hockey, providing outreach support for local kids to play hockey that wouldn’t have the opportunity to play

Weekend Wrap: York springs into McCaw Cup with 6-2 rout of Nipissing

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York U Lions

The York University Lions women’s hockey team will be heading to the McCaw Cup final after a 6-2 win in front of a packed Lions crowd over the second seed Nipissing University Lakers.

The win gave York a 2-0 series victory in their second round series, which also secures a shot at the U SPORTS national championship in March.

“It’s a proud day for me,” said head coach Dan Church, who has been the Lions’ bench boss since 2004. “We have a group of leaders who are mature and skilled, everyone steps up and does their job. It’s a pleasure to coach them.”

The Lions will be playing the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA)’s McCaw Cup final on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Varsity Arena in downtown Toronto. York will also now head to Charlottetown, P.E.I. for the U SPORTS women’s hockey national championship. The tournament begins on March 12. More details on the York Lions website.

Badgers hand women’s volleyball Lions 3-0 OUA quarter-final loss

The York Lions women’s volleyball team saw their season come to an end Saturday night at Bob Davis Gymnasium in St. Catharines, Ont.

They dropped a 3-0 decision to the top-seeded Brock University Badgers in the OUA quarter-final, losing 25-16, 25-19 and 25-14. The loss represents a fourth consecutive first round OUA playoff loss for the Lions. More details.

LA&PS student athletes impacting the community – one tiny stride at a time

For children and adolescents across Canada, organized sports provide an avenue to build lasting connections, develop social skills, lead healthy lives, and realize potential at an early age. However, due to financial barriers, these opportunities can be difficult for some families to afford. With today’s cost of living on the rise, disposable income required for extra-curricular activities has become tougher to come by. As a result of these challenges, sport participation among youth is on the decline.

From the standpoint of Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) student athletes Jacob Janke, Rossini Sandjong, Gaetano Minto and Daniel Loggale, something needs to be done to counter this trend. Taking the field together with the 2019-20 York Lions football team, this group is unified behind a singular cause – one that aims to overcome these economic obstacles.

From left: Daniel Loggale, Gaetano Minto, Rossini Sandjong, and Jacob Janke. Photo by Nicole Glassman
From left: Daniel Loggale, Gaetano Minto, Rossini Sandjong, and Jacob Janke. Photo by Nicole Glassman

These friends, who’ve all relocated from their home provinces to pursue a university education at York, acknowledge the common factor that brought them together. It isn’t difficult to imagine how things could have gone differently if not for organized sports being introduced to them many years ago.

“We were all sitting around, and the conversation was about how four people from different parts of the country became best friends,” Janke said. “It was football. The common theme was that someone gave each of us a shot along the way. We all came from situations where we wouldn’t have been able to play organized sports if someone – whether it was a role model or mentor – didn’t provide support and guide us along that path.”

Now enrolled in the final year of their studies at York University, this group is dedicated to facilitating similar opportunities for others who may need assistance. This pledge to give back to the community is what led to the creation of their non-profit organization, Tiny Strides.

Tiny Strides came together after countless discussions on the subject, as the group worked together to brainstorm fundraising methods to support participation in sports among underprivileged youth. As the name implies, the group agreed that a small-scale approach would lead to notable results. Even if their efforts would only impact one individual, it would have been worth it. After submitting paperwork to become a registered non-profit last year, this initiative became official.

The goal was closely aligned to their upbringing as minorities with additional barriers to overcome. In the past, being empowered through sport wasn’t always a reality for these LA&PS students. Today, football has become a regular aspect of everyday life. Now, the group aspires to encourage sport participation and exemplify the ways in which these activities can serve as catalysts for positive outcomes on and off the field.

“One really great thing about sport is that it brings out family,” Minto said “With Tiny Strides, we can play a part in creating those families, those spaces for individuals. It’s more than a game if you use it the right way.”

Through pub nights, event appearances, and 50-50 charity raffles, the group has been able to raise thousands of dollars to cover the costs of equipment and sport registration fees. However, the mentorship aspect of the initiative cannot be overstated. In just one year, they’ve built meaningful connections with minor league football programs, as well as nearby community shelters.

“One really great thing about sport is that it brings out family. With Tiny Strides, we can play a part in creating those families, those spaces for individuals. It’s more than a game if you use it the right way.” – Gaetano Minto

“Last July, we were approach by a refugee shelter not too far from campus,” Sandjong said. “There were kids from different parts of the world who had been living there for a couple months. We had the chance to introduce sports to their lives. There were three days of programming. On the first day, we introduced them to football. On the second day, we played soccer. Then, on the third day, we brought them to Canada’s Wonderland.”

The strong bonds formed by Tiny Strides have played a significant role in some of these children continuing to play football, several months after the shelter visit. Each of the non-profit’s founders are extremely proud of how their efforts have resonated thus far.

This year, the group hopes to continue taking small steps in establishing similar ties with local youth and sport organizations while still raising funds for those in need. The eventual goal is for these relationships to be facilitated with an integrated mentorship program more closely linked to York University Lions football.

“As members of the black community, we’re often seen as the people trying to tear each other down. It feels great to break that stereotype,” Loggale said. “We’re not just conforming to what people think we should be doing. We’re stepping out of that box that they put us in. We want to uplift.”

“If you look at where York is positioned geographically, sometimes it seems that we shy away from the Jane & Finch community,” Janke added. “The university can be that uplifting force. I think that’s something we should start to embrace.”

Weekend wrap: Women’s hockey Lions move back into second place with big win over Gryphons

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York U Lions

The No. 10 nationally ranked York University Lions women’s hockey team moved back into second place in the Ontario University Athletics standings with a big 5-2 victory over the University of Guelph Gryphons at Canlan Ice Sports on Friday night.

The win was York’s first win over the Gryphons in nine outings and gave the Lions an important three points as they fight for playoff positioning. The Lions controlled play for large stretches of the game and outshot the Gryphons 32-22 overall, including 12-6 in the third period when the Gryphons were trying to climb back into the contest.

An even first period ended with the Lions leading 1-0 after a goal by Ellen Donaldson at 14:22 accounted for the only scoring of the frame. More details on the York Lions website.

Men’s hockey Lions end season with victory over Golden Hawks

The York University Lions men’s hockey team wrapped up the 2019-20 campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks on Saturday night at Canlan Ice Sports.

The Lions had already been eliminated from the playoffs but closed the season with some solid play over the last few weeks, going 4-1-1 in their last six contests, with their only regulation loss coming to the second-place Ryerson University Rams.

After a scoreless first period the Lions finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second when Alex Mowbray redirected a pass from Tyler Higgins beside the net to give his team a 1-0 advantage. It lasted less than four minutes, however, as the Golden Hawks leveled the score on a power play tally by Matt McJannet. More details.

Men’s volleyball Lions pick up important points with sweep of Lakers

The York University Lions men’s volleyball team picked up an important two points on Saturday night with a sweep of the Nipissing University Lakers at the Tait McKenzie Centre.

In the first set, the Lions trailed behind the Lakers but were quick to regain the lead. Andrew Tauhid scored a service ace to make it 16-13. The Lakers were closing in on the Lions 22-20, but a service error gave the Lions the chance to get the set point. An attack error from Grady McClure gave the Lions the set point, and a kill from Andrew Shotbolt ended the first set 25-22 for the Lions. More details.

On Friday night, the Lions came up short in a four-set loss to the No. 6 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues. The first set started off with the Blues gaining the first point of the match, but the Lions were not far behind as they gained a point from a serve error. At the beginning of the game, both teams were neck and neck until the Lions began to extend their lead with a serve ace by Luke de Greeff followed by a Blues’ attack error and a kill from Tauhid. More details.

Women’s volleyball Lions get back into win column with 3-1 victory over Lakers

The York University Lions women’s volleyball team got back into the win column on Saturday with their 3-1 victory over the Nipissing University Lakers at home at the Tait McKenzie Centre.

The first set started well for the Lions as they led the game early 11-3, with a fantastic kill from Aleksandra Steins over the Lakers. The Lions did not let their feet off the gas as they dominated the first set. Tara Leithead scored a serve ace to give the Lions the set point, and a serve error from the Lakers closed the first set 25-9 for the Lions. More details.

The Lions also dropped a 3-1 decision to the No. 4 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday night.

The Blues struck first with a kill from Jenna Woock, but a kill from Sarah Williams helped even the score. Both teams were neck-and-neck in the first half of the opening set but the Blues began to pull away with the lead with a kill from Alina Dormann to make the score 5-2 for the Blues. More details.

Track and field Lions post strong results at a trio of meets over the weekend

The York University Lions track and field teams split three ways this weekend: the Hillsdale Wide-Track Classic in Michigan, the University of Akron College Invitational in Ohio and the Windsor Team Challenge in Windsor, Ont.

Middle distance sprinter Levar Russell had a phenomenal weekend as he set a new fieldhouse record in the 600m at Hillsdale College with a personal best time of 1:20.26, which moves him to the ninth position on York’s all-time list and also moves him up in the U SPORTS rankings.

Samuel Adams finished the weekend hitting the U SPORTS auto-qualification standard with a season’s best jump of 5.02m, tying for the second highest jump in the nation with teammate Daniel Gleason who took the gold medal at the University of Akron Invitational. More details.

Women’s basketball Lions wrap up road schedule with overtime loss to Mustangs

The York University Lions women’s basketball team lost 76-71 to the Western University Mustangs after going into overtime on Saturday evening in London, Ont.

The Mustangs came out charging in the first quarter, scoring 22 points against the Lions who were able to get 12 points in, four of them from veteran point-guard Katrina Collins-Samuels and another four from forward Megan Stewart. More details.

As part of their weekend road trip, the Lions dropped a 57-44 decision to the No. 7 nationally ranked Windsor University Lancers. In the game’s opening quarter, Windsor opened up an early advantage by matching the Lions’ point output. Save for an early 2-2 tie, the Lancers held at least a one-point advantage over York for the duration of the opening quarter. More details.

Late push not enough in men’s basketball Lions’ loss to Lancers

Alex Thielen led the York University Lions men’s basketball team with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough to upend the University of Windsor Lancers at the St. Denis Centre Friday night.

Windsor took the game 102-73, outscoring York in every quarter except for the fourth.

The Lancers got hot offensively in the game’s opening quarter, allowing them to post 29 points and open up a 16-point lead on the Lions. More of the same happened in the second frame, putting Windsor in control heading to halftime. They led 62-37. More details.

One day later, the Lions lost 108-73 to the Western University Mustangs in London, Ont. The Lions waited until the fourth quarter of the game to score the most points in a frame. They surpassed the Mustangs with 25 points and the home team finished behind with 23. Prince Kamunga finished the quarter with a total of nine points, including a three-pointer, while teammate Tyler Pryce added six points to the final quarter. More details.

Weekend wrap: Rodgers, Agard win silver medals at OUA wrestling championships

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York U Lions

York University Lions wrestlers Brea Rodgers and Bailey Agard won silver medals at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships on Saturday to lead the women’s team to a sixth-place finish in Guelph, Ont., while the men were eighth.

Rodgers won the silver medal in the 59kg weight class in her debut OUA meet, earning the conference’s rookie of the year award in the process. She is the first rookie of the year in program history, and the result from her and Agard equals the best ever finish from a Lions women’s wrestler at the championship.

Agard’s result came in the 51kg division. She was also competing in her first OUA championship after an injury forced her to miss the event last year.  More details on the York Lions website.

Women’s volleyball Lions win third straight after downing Paladins in five sets

The York University Lions women’s volleyball team beat the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins 3-2 on Sunday in Kingston, Ont., their third victory in a row.

The Lions took the first two sets against the home team. York finished the first set with a 25-17 win and took the second set 25-15.  More details.

As part of their weekend road trip, the Lions earned a 3-1 victory over the Queen’s University Gaels on Saturday.

In the first set, kills from Olivia Kim and Aleksandra Steins helped the Lions gain the early lead. The Lions didn’t lead for long with a kill from Arielle Palermo followed by a Lions attack error helped the Gaels come back to tie the score. Both teams were fighting for the lead, but with a series of attack errors from the Gaels the Lions were able to gain the edge and widen it. A final kill from Kim sealed the Lions 25-22 win in the first set.  More details.

Men’s hockey Lions continue hot streak with road win over Warriors

The York University Lions men’s hockey team continued its late-season surge on Thursday night with a 4-2 win over the University of Waterloo Warriors at Columbia Ice Fields in Waterloo, Ont.

The Lions have now earned points in four straight games, winning three of them.

Morgan Messenger is a big reason why the Lions have been picking up points. He scored the winning goal against the Warriors and added an assist on the final goal and now has seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last three games.  More details.

The win came one day after a 3-1 victory over the Brock University Badgers on home ice. In the first period, the Lions were pressuring hard and played tough defence. Six minutes in, the Badgers had a substantial chance for themselves to score, but Lions goalie Cole Ceci made a desperate save and smothered Brock’s chance.  More details.

Men’s volleyball Lions need five sets to take down Paladins in Kingston

The York University Lions men’s volleyball team got its first win of 2020 as they beat the Royal Military College (RMC) Paladins in a 3-2 game on Sunday in Kingston, Ont.

Andrew Shotbolt finished the game with a total of 18 points, 17 of them kills, while teammate and first-name twin Andrew Tauhid finished with 16 points, 13 of them kills.

The Lions finished on top of the Paladins in the first two sets, taking the first 25-19 with 14 kills from York and 10 from the home team. The Lions finished the second set 25-14, creating a 2-0 game lead against the Paladins.  More details.

The Lions were also in Kingston the day before for a match against the Queen’s University Gaels and were defeated in straight sets.

In the first set, the Gaels scored the first point off of a serve error, but Tauhid came back with a great kill to equalize the game early. The Lions gained the lead with a series of Gaels’ mistakes, followed by a kill from Shotbolt. However, the lead didn’t last long as the Gaels continued to earn points to regain the lead and finish the first set with a 25-19 score.  More details.

McHolm scores hat trick but Voyageurs defeat women’s hockey Lions in shootout

The No. 9 nationally ranked York University Lions women’s hockey team was defeated in a shootout by a 4-3 score by the Laurentian University Voyageurs in Sudbury, Ont., on Saturday evening.

The Lions picked up a point in the standings as the race for the playoffs continues and are now third with 41 points, one point back of second-place Nipissing and one ahead of Waterloo. The Lions played hard with excellent defence, but neither team found the back of the net in the first period.  More details.

On Friday, the Lions suffered a 4-3 loss to the Nipissing University Lakers. York and Nipissing traded goals back and forth in a busy first period. The Lions opened the scoring less than four minutes in on a tally by Ava Ricker-Singh, but 49 seconds later the score was tied again as Malory Dominico found the back of the net for the home team.  More details.

Track and field Lions finish weekend with 17 podium results across two meets

The York University Lions track and field teams hosted the annual York Open this weekend at the Toronto Track and Field Centre (TTFC), while some of the jumpers headed across the border for Cornell University’s Kane Indoor Invitational.

The women long jumpers swept away the competition across the border as Leah Jones, who has gone undefeated in the women’s long jump for four weeks in a row, left with the gold medal; long and triple jumper Olivia Henry left with the silver and Rasheeda Gurley finished with the bronze and a season’s best.

At TTFC, pole vaulter Daniel Gleason hit the U SPORTS auto-qualification standard with a jump of 5.02m. He also finished first among U SPORTS athletes at the meet and still holds the number one spot nationally by a large margin.  More details.

Men’s basketball Lions fall behind early in loss to Marauders

All of the McMaster University Marauders starters had over 10 points, as their men’s basketball side took an early lead over the York University Lions and would not relinquish it for the duration of the contest.

They downed the Lions 95-72 at Burridge Gymnasium, including a 31-point opening quarter that allowed the host Marauders to breathe in the later three quarters of the game. The loss was York’s fifth in a row.  More details.

Earlier in the week, the Lions dropped a 94-81 decision to the Brock University Badgers on the road. The Lions gained an early lead over the Badgers with a jump shot from Yacine Loe followed by a three-pointer and a free throw from Prince Kamunga. Still, the Badgers quickly regained their lead and extended it with a jump shot from Mitch Saunders, followed by another jump shot from Daniel Cayer. A three from Saunders closed out the first quarter with 27-17 over the Lions.  More details.

Five-game winning streak comes to end for women’s basketball Lions against No. 8 Badgers

The York University Lions women’s basketball team saw its five-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday night with a 73-55 loss to the No. 8 nationally ranked Brock University Badgers in St. Catharines, Ont.

The Lions came out strong in the first quarter of the game with a series of three-pointers from Megan Stewart, Lauren Golding and Emma Jonas to gain the early lead. The Badgers scored baskets of their own to keep it a close game, but the Lions prevailed and outscored the Badgers in the first quarter 15-12.  More details.

The Lions lost their second straight of the week with a 76-68 defeat to the McMaster University Marauders on the road on Saturday. York started fast, outscoring their opponents 24-19 in the game’s opening quarter, holding McMaster off the score sheet for four straight minutes at the end of the first frame.

In the second, the game remained close but York had a slight edge over the Marauders thanks to six points from Katrina Collins-Samuels. She held the Marauders back and kept the Lions in the lead. They had a three-point lead, 42-39 at half time.  More details.