TORONTO – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's hockey team secured a thrilling 3-2 win over the York Lions on Wednesday in front of an energetic school-day crowd. Emily Baxter produced a multi-point performance and Payton Kerr scored the game-winner in the final minute.

Ahalya Julien-Medeiros, transitioning from defence to forward this season, opened the scoring in the first period when she rifled a shot into the top corner on the power play. Megan Breen and Cailey Davis registered the assists.

Despite the hot start, the Bold found themselves trailing 2-1 at the end of the first period after York responded with two goals. 

In the second period, the Bold equalized thanks to a blast by Baxter. The Bold captain, who led the team in scoring last season with 14 goals, finished off a nice passing play with Lauren McEachen and Kayla Kondo recording the assists.

In the third period, with the two teams tied at two goals apiece, the Bold ramped up the pressure. After several close opportunities for the Bold, Kerr netted the winner off an assist by Baxter with 45 seconds left.

"Obviously, winning the first game of the year is a huge stepping stone for us for the rest of the year," said Kerr. "I think at the end of the first [period] we kind of let off the gas a little bit, but we rallied and came back stronger, and won the second and the third. So not much more that we could ask for."

Goaltender Alexia Stratos was solid in between the pipes for the Bold and recorded 25 stops to finish with a .926 save percentage. 

"Stratos was really steady," said head coach Lisa Haley. "I think what she does is she keeps everything calm back there. Sometimes there's chaos going on right at the edge of her crease. She finds a way to find the puck and keep everything settled. I'm really happy with the way she got better as the game went on."

Next up for the Bold is a matchup against Nipissing in North Bay, Ont. on Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Watch the contest on OUA.tv.