Nibo Dlamini's penalty in the 45^th minute made the difference for the Ottawa Gee-Gees women's soccer team, as they downed the York University Lions in the OUA gold medal game 1-0 Saturday afternoon at Matt Anthony Field.
 
The win gives the Lions the silver medal in advance of their trip to Quebec City, Que. for the U SPORTS championship, which begins Thursday.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Lions weathered a couple waves of attack by the No. 4 nationally ranked Gee-Gees in the first half of the game, relying on goaltender Ava Jones to keep them in the game. She did just that, making four saves, including three on Olivia Allen, a Gee-Gees forward who created a lot of offence for the home side.
• But right before the half, the Gee-Gees took the lead. The ball hit the elbow of a Lion defender in the box, resulting in Dlamini's penalty. She made no mistake in the third minute of extra time, right before half time, giving Ottawa a 1-0 lead.
• The Lions spent the second half attacking, registering seven shots. And they were able to beat Ottawa keeper Juliann Lacasse on one play in the 78^th minute – but not the post. Brook-Lynne Mitchell's header bounded off the left post, keeping Ottawa up by one.
• That proved to be York's best chance at an equalizer. The Gee-Gees prevailed after Lacasse came up with some big saves late in the game. 

LOOKING AHEAD
 
Despite the result, the Lions still head to the national tournament, which begins with quarter-finals on Thursday. Hosted by the University of Laval, the tournament will be played out of Telus Stadium.