![](https://cdn-s3.thevarsity.ca/2019/02/SPORTS_Womens_Hockey-DANIEL_SAMUEL_THE_VARSITY-Playoff_game_4_web-470x313.jpg)
Blues second-year forward Louie Bieman attempts to corral the rebound away from Lakers second-year goaltender Danika Ranger (Click to Expand).
![](https://cdn-s3.thevarsity.ca/2019/02/SPORTS_Womens_Hockey-DANIEL_SAMUEL_THE_VARSITY-Playoff_game_web-470x313.jpg)
Blues fifth-year forward Lauren Straatman and Lakers second-year forward Sam Strassburger stay focused in anticipation for the face-off (Click to Expand).
![](https://cdn-s3.thevarsity.ca/2019/02/SPORTS_Womens_Hockey-DANIEL_SAMUEL_THE_VARSITY-Playoff_game_7_web-470x313.jpg)
First-year goaltender Erica Fryer watches at the puck sails past her crease. (Click to Expand). DANIEL SAMUEL/THE VARSITY
![](https://cdn-s3.thevarsity.ca/2019/02/SPORTS_Womens_Hockey-DANIEL_SAMUEL_THE_VARSITY-Playoff_game_2_web-470x313.jpg)
The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team opened the OUA playoffs with a convincing 3–1 victory over the Nipissing Lakers on February 20 (Click to Expand).