By Sophia Blew

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women’s hockey team outlasted the York University Lions for a 3-1 victory at the Mattamy Athletic Centre on Saturday night.

After falling 4-2 to the University of Ottawa Gee Gees yesterday, the Bold played a more disciplined game, taking fewer penalties and drawing more player advantages.

“Yesterday’s game, three of the penalties were because we shoved the puck over the glass. It’s a 2 minute delay of game and Ottawa made us pay for sure. I think we were more disciplined tonight,” said Bold head coach Lisa Haley. “That’s not an easy game to officiate, I think it’s a physical style every time we’re facing York.” 

In the first period, the Bold were able to flip that struggle, drawing penalties and leading to their opening goal on a 5-on-3. The opener came from fifth-year defender Ahalya Julien-Medeiros, who sniped a high-slot shot past the York defenders, securing her first goal of the season.

“I feel like I black out a little bit when that stuff happens. I didn’t even see the puck on the net,” said Julien-Medeiros.

After a tough loss the night prior, getting the first goal of the game got the team fired up.

“The team was in really good spirits today, and everyone was wanting to get that win, especially in conference games like this at home. Everyone was fired up,” said Julien-Meiros.

Although the second period was scoreless, it did not lack action. Second-year goaltender Katie Frost faced a game high of eight shots during the second, making many phenomenal saves to keep the Lions scoreless through 2 periods. 

Unfortunately for her side, TMU was also unable to push past the York back line to extend their lead.

In the third, the Bold held desperately onto their 1-0 lead, hoping that this single-goal advantage would mimic their preseason win over the Lions on Sep. 13.

With less than six minutes left in the third period and pressure mounting on the Bold, their lead would eventually crumble at the hands of fourth-year forward Kaitlin Teixeira, who would pounce on an open rebound and even the score at one all.

As all eyes turned to overtime, second-year defender Maddy Collins took matters into her own hands, ripping a shot at goal. After the attempt was blocked by a York defender, Collins noticed the Lions goalie had lost track of the puck, allowing her to perfectly place it into the open net.

“They were a hard team to play, but we came out in the end. I saw the open net and just took the shot,” said Collins, whose leading goal puts her in sole possession as the goals and points leader for the Bold.

But for Collins, its not an individual game, rather a team one.

“I feel like our team really, like, plays for each other, so every game I’m just trying to play for the other players,” she said.

With 27 seconds left in the game, second-year forward Ava Assinewai netted her first career goal with an empty net to secure the 3-1 victory for the Bold.

“I’m glad that it’s off my back, and I’m just looking forward to the next one.” said Assinewai.

While robbed of a shutout off a single York goal, Frost ended the game with a season-high save percentage of 0.95.

UP NEXT: The Bold head to Queens University this Friday, Nov. 20. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.