After a strong start to the regular season, the Nipissing Lakers women’s hockey team hit a bit of a speed bump Saturday afternoon taking on the Queens Gaels.
The team rebounded quickly, however, and earned a weekend split after a 5-2 loss to the Gaels, they came up with a 4-1 win over the UOIT Ridgebacks.
Despite erasing two one-goal deficits, the Lakers fell to the Gaels 5-2 in Queens’ home opener, as the Gaels scored three times in the third period, including an empty-netter that sealed the win.
Down 1-0 after the first period, Sam Strassburger continued her strong play, tying the game midway through the second period.
Kaley Tienhaara and Zosia Davis earned assists on the goal.
Before the second ended, Queens regained the lead with a power play goal and headed into the third up one.
Once again, the Lakers tied it up, as Davis scored her first of the season on the power play.
Strassburger earned her second point of the night, picking up one assist, while Bronwyn Bolduc had the other helper.
Unfortunately, it was all Queens from there, as they scored the next three goals to pick up the win.
The Lakers outshot the Gaels 34-29, but fell short of the two points.
Sabrina Picard took the loss in net, evening her record to 1-1-0 on the season.
Sunday, the Lakers got back in the win column after dispatching the Ridgebacks to the tune of 4-1.
Brittany Crago led the way with two goals, while Taylor Murphy scored her first OUA goal and Janica Vossos rounded out the scoring for the Lakers.
Tienhaara added two more assists, bringing her league-leading total to six through the first four games.
Jackie Rochefort picked up the win, making 19 saves.
Despite being early in the season, the Lakers have three players – Tienhaara, Strassburger and Bolduc – in the top five of a few different offensive categories, including points, goals, assists and power play goals.
Rochefort is also near the top in a couple goaltending categories.
The Lakers now have the weekend off before preparing for their home opener, which goes Oct. 25.
