Women's hockey shut out by visiting Varsity Blues 3-0
By Tanya Quaglia
Lance Writer
November 19, 2008
The Lancers woman’s hockey team were denied a chance to get back to their winning ways after a 3-0 shutout versus the visiting Toronto Varsity Blues.
Back home from two heartbreaking losses the previous weekend, the Lancers hoped to end the losing streak in front of a home crowd. In the first period, the Lancers came out flying. Despite having eight shots on net, the Lancers could not get the puck past Toronto goalie Kendyl Valenta. Lancer goalie, Jamie Tessier was also strong in net, stopping all seven of the first-period shots she faced.
Windsor looked to finally get on the board in the second period. However, the Varsity Blues were the ones who came out scoring. In the second alone, Toronto had 19 shots on net as opposed to the Lancers seven. Tessier was unable to keep the Varsity Blues off the board and allowed three goals, despite her best efforts to keep the Lancers in the game.
As numerous hockey teams have proven, a three-goal lead is not always a safe one, even with one period left to play. The Lancers held on to that hope as they headed into the third and final period.
The Lancers saved their best hockey for last, but it was too little too late. In the third period, the Lancers defence was unbeatable. They held the Varsity Blues to just five shots on net. Windsor fired 13 shots on Varsity Blues goaltender, Valenta, but she was solid in net and did not give up a goal.
The loss was another heartbreaker, but the Lancers proved that they could compete with the best. The Varsity Blues are ranked third in OUA standings, yet the Lancers kept them off the board for two of the three periods.
If the Lancers can play the rest of their games, like they did during the third period this past Saturday, playoff hope is not lost.
The 4-8 Lancers are off until Saturday, where they will travel to London to face the 3-5 Western Mustangs. This game is a bit of an easier test for the Lancers, as the past teams they have faced were among the top in the league.
A win in London will give the Lancers the confidence and motivation they need, to keep the playoff dream alive.
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