The Varsity Blues women’s lacrosse team kept their dream of repeating as OUA champions alive yesterday, defeating the McMaster Marauders 9-4 at back campus field. Coming off one of their most successful seasons ever, the self-confident Blues are looking to make short work of their competition at the OUA championship at U of T next weekend.
The Blues dominated the OUA during regular season play, winning all 10 of their matches. U of T was the highest-scoring team in the league during the season with 102 goals. A deadly offence, combined with a suffocating defensive strategy, gave the Blues supremacy during the season, but players and coaching staff know the playoffs are a different picture.
Blues head coach Todd Pepper said next weekend would be a challenge for the Blues.
“I think all the teams [in the OUA playoffs] are very good, and anything is possible,” he said. “We need to play like we have been playing throughout the year.”
If Saturday’s game is a sign of things to come, U of T will successfully defend its title this weekend. The Blues once again tightened the defensive noose on their opponents, allowing just four goals. Blues goalkeeper Monica Granados had another solid game, building on a successful season where she was one of the league’s most intimidating net-minders.
“Our goaltending was amazing,” said Pepper after the game. “The defence played excellent, and we need to keep that up next week.”
Blues veteran Beth Pilkington also played incredibly well, single-handedly taking the offence to new heights.
She scored four goals during the game, setting the tone and leading by example.
Although Pepper was impressed with his team’s performance, he admitted improvement could be made.
“We need to [improve] on shooting… our shot selection because that was a concern today, and also driving the net on offence,” he said. “Because of the tough competition, we’re going to have to play very well in every game next week.”
The Blues will host the OUA semifinals next Saturday, followed by the provincial finals on Sunday.
