The York University Lions men’s hockey team completed a big third period comeback and then won in a shootout to take down the No. 3 nationally ranked Queen’s University Gaels by a score of 5-4 at Canlan Ice Sports on Friday night.
Trailing 4-2 heading into the final frame, the Lions scored twice in a five-minute span late in the period to tie the game and send it to overtime. After the 10 extra minutes solved nothing, the game rose to the big finish when Mack Shields, who came into the game in the third period, ended the shootout with an outstretched pad to complete the victory. More details on the York Lions website.
The Lions picked up another win the following night when they scored twice in the second period to defeat the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Ridgebacks 2-1.
The opening period of play did not provide much excitement for the clamouring York fans that piled into the stands at Canlan Ice Sports for the #BellLetsTalk game that brought out many fans in support of their fellow athletes and mental health awareness. But the Ridgebacks' Connor Jarvis struck first with his goal at 11:13. This would be the only recorded score for either team in the first 20 minutes of play. More details.
Vazquez drains last-second three for upset win over No. 10 Marauders
With two seconds left on the clock, Julio Vazquez sank a corner three to break a 68-68 deadlock and give the York University Lions men's basketball team a thrilling 71-68 win over the No. 10 nationally ranked McMaster University Marauders at Burridge Gymnasium in Hamilton, Ont.
Vazquez scored 11 of his 17 points in the final frame, including the winning basket after he faked out his defender and then stepped to the side and coolly drained the three. More details.
The Lions also faced the No. 8 Brock University Badgers on Saturday but were not able to replicate the same magic, ultimately falling by a score of 82-64. An exceptional first half of shooting for the Lions helped keep the game close against an aggressive Badgers team. York shot 50 per cent on field goals, hitting 14-of-28 shots in the half.
Jayden Frederick did his part as he recorded 16 points and six rebounds. However, the Badgers Johneil Simpson remained a pest for the Lions with his game-leading 22 points. At the end of the first half the game stood at a 37-37 tie. More details.
Women’s basketball Lions pick up third win with take down of Badgers
The York University Lions women’s basketball team captured a huge four-point victory on Saturday night as they edged out the home team Brock University Badgers by a score of 52-48 at Bob Davis Gymnasium.
The Lions’ electrifying guard Katrina Collins-Samuels played a major role in the team’s victory. The most significant portion of her dominant play took place in the first half. Collins-Samuels recorded eight points, two rebounds and three assists in the opening half of the game. She would go on to record a team high 12 points. A strong second quarter of shooting helped propel the Lions into a leading position as they entered the third quarter with a 31-28 advantage. More details.
On Friday night, the Lions suffered an 81-40 loss to the No. 1 nationally ranked McMaster University Marauders on the road. Both Sandra Nagowska and Megan MacLeod reached double digits in scoring in the game to lead the Lions. In the first half the Marauders outscored the Lions 49-19. More details.
Comeback comes up short as Lancers edge past women’s hockey Lions
The York University Lions women’s hockey team came up just short in its bid to take down the visiting Windsor University Lancers, falling 3-2 at Canlan Ice Sports on Saturday afternoon.
After a scoreless first period, the Lancers jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes of play with an early goal and then another late in the middle frame. Krystin Lawrence scored her Ontario University Athletics (OUA)-leading 25th goal of the season at 4:35 for a 1-0 advantage, and Erinn Noseworthy found the back of the net just 28 seconds before the end of the period. More details.
On Sunday the Lions came out strong against the Western University Mustangs and scored the first goal but then allowed four unanswered goals in a 4-1 loss. In the first period the Lions played with high energy and created a lot of scoring chances. The shot attempts paid off when, at 10:41, Rianna Langford received a pass from Dana Somerville and Amy Locke. As Langford gained control in front of the net she finished the play with a quick chip shot to beat Western goaltender Shelby Ryan. York’s 1-0 lead would be maintained through the entire first period. More details.
Wrestler El-Nahas wins bronze at international Guelph Open event
York University Lions wrestler Shady El-Nahas won the bronze medal in the 97kg weight class at the Guelph Open on Saturday.
With the result, the rookie from Toronto became York’s first medallist at the international competition that featured top-level competitors from Canada and the United States, including multiple that have competed at the Olympics.
El-Nahas faced Montreal’s Hamed Rowshani in the first round and was defeated 11-1 to move into the consolation side of the draw. However, once there he dominated his opponents, winning four straight matches all by pin to capture the bronze medal. More details.
Track and field Lions win four medals at Fred Foot Memorial Meet
The York University Lions track and field team picked up four medals at the Fred Foot Memorial Meet at the University of Toronto on Saturday.
Leading the way were pole vaulters Samuel Adams and Jason Clare, who finished second and third, respectively, in their event. Adams, who was fourth at both the OUA and U SPORTS championships last year as a rookie, hit a season-best distance of 4.55 metres, while first-year athlete Clare topped 4.45 metres to finish just behind him. Both of their heights also qualified them for the OUA championships at the end of February. More details.