On Sept. 27, the York Lions field hockey team faced their rival, UofT’s Varsity Blues, at York’s Alumni Field. Eager to top their last loss against Toronto, the Lions made quick work of the first fifteen minutes, recording five shots and earning two penalty corners before midfielder Mufarowashe Matambo broke the 0-0 deadlock. Less than six minutes later, teammate Gates McAllister doubled the Lions’ lead, giving York a 2–0 advantage heading into the second quarter.
“It was really good. We came off the bat really strong and really put a lot of pressure on them,” McAllister said, adding that York came up with many opportunities, short corners and shots.
This pressure was evident as York continued to control the game in the second quarter. McAllister added another goal at the 25-minute mark, the midfielder’s second of the afternoon to cushion the Lions with a three-goal lead.
While the third quarter was scoreless, York struck again in the fourth, with Katie Tye finding the back of the net and Matambo recording an assist to give the Lions an eye-watering 4-0 lead. The shock didn’t last long, as Toronto’s defence couldn’t keep a clean sheet when Maggie Mullins converted a penalty stroke shortly after York’s fourth to give the Blues a single point on the scoreboard. But it was too little, too late, and the Lions secured a 4-1 win by the end of the game.
For midfielder Jocelyn Boyd, the win represented more than another result in the standings. “Today’s 4–1 win over U of T was just a really good reset for us for the season,” she reflects. While York lost its opening game 1-0 against Toronto, Boyd feels that “this was a really good way to get back on track and really set the tone.”
Boyd also pointed to the familiarity between the two teams, saying the Lions have faced the Varsity Blues numerous times over the years. The decisive result, she says, reflected substantial growth as a team and an ability to come together as the season progresses.
The win continues what McAllister also describes as a strong start to the Lions’ field hockey season following last year’s campaign. “We came off a high,” McAllister says. “So we’re trying to keep that going throughout this year as well.”
McAllister’s first goal came after a series of chances during a short corner, where teammate Abby Thompson took the initial shot before the ball rebounded to another York player, who got another attempt on net. The ball then fell to McAllister, who finished the chance.
In their recent bout, York recorded more shots on target than their opponent, at 16 to the Blues’ 14, while also earning eight penalty corners versus their six. Additionally, Ella Ciesielski made five saves in the win, while opposing goalkeeper Mary Yang recorded seven saves.
With the victory, York moves to 4-1-1 as it continues its regular-season schedule.
