On Saturday, the Lions women’s hockey team battled out their first game of the new year in an exhibition game against the UofT Varsity Blues.
The Varsity Blues won this particular game by a score of 4-1, but halfway through their season, the Lions are doing quite well. They have played many solid games, reached ninth place in the Ontario University Athletics, and have won three games against the Ryerson Rams, Varsity Blues, and the UOIT Ridgebacks.
Although they have not been exactly on target toward their goal of the OUA playoffs yet, they are more determined than ever. “We’re getting better and better every day and are striving to get into a playoff position,” says defensewoman Kristen Barbara.
Forward Dana Somerville commented on Saturday’s game, saying, “it allowed us to get rid of the rust from the holidays.” The team stayed in the game all the way through, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Varsity Blues’ dominant performance near the end. Renata Bastos Gottgtroy scored the Lions’ only goal during the second period, tying up the score at 1-1.
The score remained there until the final 10 minutes of the game, during which the Varsity Blues got three goals past the Lions’ goalkeeper Megan Lee.
“It was a good fight, but we know what we need to improve to move on in the season,” says Somerville.
“As a team, we acknowledged our strengths and weaknesses from the game, which we will follow up on during tomorrow’s practice.”
The team has been working hard to make sure they are both mentally and physically prepared to press on through the second half of the season, and hopefully make it into the playoffs as well.
“We take every game as a learning experience,” says Barbara, “and as a team we are continuously developing to get better every day.”
The Lions still have many games lined up for the rest of the season, including a road trip to play the Nipissing Lakers and the Laurentian Voyageurs later on this month.
“That trip is always tough because you’re out of your element being on the bus for hours, sleeping in a hotel room, and eating different food than you normally eat on game days,” Somerville explains.
However, the Lions are ready to face this challenge head on and prepared to give it their best.
“Those trips are a real test of your mental strength because they are a real grind,” says Somerville.
“Both teams will be strong, but they are beatable. It is a great opportunity to show how strong we are even when facing adversity.”
Cynthia Lam, Contributor
Featured image courtesy of York Lions
