TORONTO, Ont. - With a guaranteed berth in the semifinals on the line, the Trent Excalibur and Laurier Golden Hawks squared off in the final game of Pool 'A' at the 2022 OUA women's lacrosse championship hosted by the University of Toronto.

Despite a valiant effort from the Golden Hawks, that saw them lead the two-time defending OUA champions into the third quarter, the Excalibur found their groove in the second half and pulled away for a 16-8 win.

In the early stages, it was Trent initially jumping out in front to a 2-0 lead on goals from Avery Di Giorgio and Grace Shaugnessy. Not to be outdone though, Laurier responded with two goals of their own, with Ryleigh Elliott and Liz Ilias tying the game 2-2.

Trent would regain the lead late in the opening quarter to carry a 3-2 advantage after one.

Seizing momentum, the Golden Hawks came out flying in the second. Getting goals from Ilias, Delaney Keen and two from Elliott, Laurier posted four straight goals to go up 6-3. The Excalibur made a late push to end the half with a pair of goals, pulling within one at the break.

Once the second half began, it was all Trent. Scoring five goals in the third quarter and six more in the fourth, the Excalibur took control of the contest.

Di Giorgio, Shaugnessy and Mackenzie Manuliak each finished the game with the hat-trick for Trent, while Ilias led the Golden Hawks with three goals of her own.

With Trent advancing to the semifinals, Laurier will face Toronto in the 5 vs 6 consolation final at 1:00 pm on Sunday. Catch all the action live on OUA.tv