The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team dropped their first game of the Ontario University Athletic (OUA) semifinal series on February 26, losing a narrow 3–2 decision on their home rink to their crosstown rivals, the Ryerson University Rams.
On March 1, the Blues won against the Rams in overtime, thus advancing to the OUA cup final.
Toronto appeared to be in control of the game early on in the first period, but it was Ryerson who drew first blood, notching a top-corner goal that left little chance for Blues’ goaltender Erica Fryer to defend. Rookie Lauren Macdonnell had a good chance to tie it up right after, but her shot barely missed the Ryerson net. However, strong passing plays from Natasha Athanasakos and Cristine Chao eventually led the Blues to a tying goal.
Gabrielle De Serres capitalized on the Blues’ power-play and rifled a shot from the point past the Rams’ goaltender. The goal energized the Blues, but Ryerson snuck in a second goal off a rebound in the dying seconds of the first period to take a 2–1 lead.
Ryerson kept up their momentum heading into the second period, when a lone Ryerson player managed to get by Toronto’s defense and snipe it past Fryer. Despite the three goals against her team, Fryer put on a goalkeeping clinic, making numerous saves to keep the Blues from falling further behind. Ryerson continued to dominate the Blues, but impressive saves from Fryer and relentless effort from Blues players Jana Headrick and Jessica Robichaud prevented any further goals in the second period.
Taylor Trussler scored a beautiful goal in the opening minutes of the third period, but it was too little, too late for the Blues. Ryerson swarmed Toronto in the final frame, and despite Toronto’s best efforts, they weren’t able to find another goal. Fryer continued her impressive play, notching numerous saves in the waning minutes of the game to keep the Blues’ hopes alive.
