The York University Lions Women's hockey team's visit to Oshawa to take Ontario Tech Ridgebacks did not go according to plan as the Lions were beaten 3-0 in a hard-fought affair. The Lions created several scoring opportunities but were unable to capitalize.
This was a common refrain all afternoon, as the Lions, despite being the better team throughout and outshooting Ontario Tech 29-18, were shutout 3-0
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The first period ended scoreless with York creating few more chances than the Ridgebacks, owning a 7-5 advantage in shots
- At the start of the second period, Sydney Hiltz had a wonderful opportunity, but was denied by the Ridgebacks netminder Zoe McGee, who continued to be under pressure from a wave of York chances
- The Ridgebacks then scored the opening goal late in the second period, as, from a counter-attack, Melissa Adranaz was able to put one past Emma Wedgewood to make it 1-0. That's where the score stayed through two periods.
- Alexa Giantsopoulos came close to evening the game in the third, but fired her shot just wide.
- Shortly after, the Ridgebacks doubled their lead to t 2-0 to after a defensive breakdown from the Lions which left Wedgewood hung out to dry on a tap-in goal from Harrie Jones just under seven minutes into the final frame
- Then, with the Lion net empty, Milana Perry sealed it for the Ridgebacks. That goal with 3:30 to play in the game made it 3-0, which would be the final score.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Lions will return home for another tough test against the 4th-ranked team in the nation, the Waterloo Warriors on Friday night. That game is the first of a back-to-back for the Lions, who then face the Windsor Lancers the following night. Both games are 7:15 pm starts from Canlan Ice Sports.
