The Varsity Blues field hockey team returns home from New York a new squad that is ready and raring to go in 2010. U of T went 1-2-1 against some of the NCAA’s top competitors this week (Aug. 23-26) and head coach John DeSouza is excited about the season to come.

“I was happy we were able to implement some tactical things this week,” said DeSouza. “All of the first-year players look good and with a few more training sessions under our belt, I am confident that we will be vying for the top spot in the league again this year.”

The Blues stepped off the bus after seven hours on the road on Monday and started the week with a tough 6-0 loss to the American East conference’s second-ranked Albany Great Danes.

Toronto again came out slow again on Tuesday versus the Cornell Big Red, but perked up in the second half to force a 1-1 draw. Goaltenders Sam Lyzun and Katherine Williams were solid in net to keep the game even until the final whistle. Third-year defender Kaelan Watson of Richmond, B.C. scored Toronto’s lone goal.

In Hamilton, N.Y. the Blues dominated the Colgate Raiders, coming away with a 3-1 victory. Watson again led the offensive charge with two goals, while fellow 2009 CIS all-Canadian Kyesia O’Neale (Mississauga, Ont.) added the other. Coach DeSouza was pleased with first-year players and North Vancouver, B.C. natives Alex Thicke and Heather Haughan in the game against Colgate.

“Alex created all kinds of havoc for the Colgate defence while Heather helps anchor our back line,” commented DeSouza. “Both are logging big minutes and fitting in very well.”

The Blues came up short on Thursday night, falling 6-0 to the No. 8 ranked Syracuse Orange.

Toronto opens their 2010 regular season on Saturday, September 18 when they travel to London, Ont., to take on the Western Mustangs and York Lions. Game times are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., respectively.

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