Lancers forward Courtney Spoors battles for the puck with Waterloo’s Kelly McLean Saturday at South Windsor Arena. Windsor won 4-3 in OT. • photo alanna kelly

Windsor 4 | Waterloo 3 OT
Laurier 2 | Windsor 0


Tanya Quaglia
LANCE WRITER


The Windsor Lancers women’s hockey team started their season Saturday with a win over the visiting Waterloo Warriors. Despite falling behind early, the Lancers fought back to win 4-3 in overtime.

“A win is important because it helps us build some confidence at the beginning of the season and as we move forward with our season,” said team captain Alyssa Baldin.

“It sets the tone and momentum for the rest of the season,” added goalie Karlyle Robinson, who earned the win in net with 28 saves. “I am so proud that my team pulled through with a big win and battled hard until the end.”

“It felt great to win especially since it was such a nail biter.”

Robinson, in her second year with the Lancers, felt last season’s experience helped with moving forward.

“I feel mentally and physically stronger. I feel like everyone is getting along well and I can’t wait to see where this season will bring us.”

Waterloo opened the scoring at the end of the first period with a power play goal. Windsor tied the game early in the second period with a goal from Jenny MacKnight.

The Warriors went up 2-1, but Lancer rookie Natalie Barrette tied the game in the opening minutes of the third period.

Following another Waterloo goal, Bree Polci tied the game at three for the Lancers.

With the game on the line in overtime, the Lancers came out firing. Rookie forward Jillian Rops took advantage of a power play opportunity to give the Lancers the victory.

“It was very exciting to get that game winner, definitely a highlight of my hockey experiences so far,” Rops said. “Everyone worked so hard for the win and I was glad I could contribute. Before I knew the puck was in the net, I was tackled to the ground by my teammates. It was great.”

“It’s always a great feeling when you see a first year like Rops (and Nat earlier in the game) put the puck in the net,” Baldin said. “It definitely gives them some confidence and it definitely gives our whole team some confidence when we see younger girls like them step it up and score some big goals.”

“Rops is probably one of the hardest workers I know, so it was great to see all that hard work pay off.”

With a two-point night, Rops feels confident about her game going forward.

“Hard work really does pay off,” she said.

“I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to look up to and they’ve really made me feel welcome to the team. I’ll give it all I have and take it one game at a time.”

With a win under their belt, the Lancers look to continue improving throughout the season.

“We are just going to keep our focus and stick to our game plan,” Baldin stated. “We take it one game at a time and it is important that we continue to work hard and play consistently.”

Sunday night, the Lancers faced off against the nationally ranked Laurier Golden Hawks.

The Lancers played a strong game but could not find a way to score. Despite outshooting the Golden Hawks 31-28, the Lancers lost 2-0.

Windsor returns to action this weekend when they host the Guelph Gryphons Saturday and the Brock Badgers Sunday. Both games are set to begin at
4:10 p.m. at South Windsor Arena.