WATERLOO, Ont. – After a hard-fought battle, the Golden Hawks couldn't continue their mini two-game win streak as they fell 5-2 to the Queens Gaels.

The Golden Hawks came out with speed after the holidays in hopes of extending their back-to-back wins from the end of December. It wasn't long before the purple and gold found the back of the net as Chloe Davidson and Hayley Szymanowski came in on a two-on-one against Queen's goalie Vanessa Campeau. Davidson received a quick pass entering the offensive zone and wristed a shot from the slot, resulting in a rebound for Szymanowski to tip in the puck and open the scoring. 

The remainder of the period was a tough battle as the Gaels matched Laurier's shots on goal. However, Acadia Carlson, celebrating her birthday in her 12th game between the pipes between, kept her team in front heading into the second period.

Carlson continued to shine in the second period as the Gaels outshot the purple and gold 14-11 and had opportunities on three powerplays, including a five-on-three. The period remained scoreless despite the Gaels picking up their offensive zone pressure and pushing the Golden Hawks to the brink.

The tables turned in the third period when Alyson Reeves tied up the game for Queen's with a quick shot that got past Carlson. The tied score didn't last long as Reeves potted her second goal in three minutes to put her team in front for the first time on the night. 

Queen's alternate captain Scout Watkins Southward extended her team's lead by quickly cashing in a rebound that came off Carlson's pads. 

The Golden Hawks did not let up, as Rylee Crego put the puck past Campeau off a Szymanowski's rebound to get the home side back within one. 

Unfortunately, when the Golden Hawks opted for the extra attacker, the Gaels managed to get two back-to-back goals on the purple and gold's empty net.

"Getting the lead early was a key component, but we want to key in on the third period performance", noted Manager of Women's Hockey Operations and Head Coach Kelly Paton. Her hope is to see her team perform similarly against the Western Mustangs on Saturday as they did in their last match-up in London, where they won their second game of the season in a shootout. Paton mentioned that the Golden Hawks will look to "better position (themselves) defensively to create transitions and generate opportunities," in Saturday night's game.

Three Stars

Hayley Szymanowski – Laurier Golden Hawks: third goal in three games

Alyson Reeves – Queens Gaels: two goals

Scout Watkins Southward – Queens Gaels: named to Canada's women's team at upcoming FISU games

Up Next

The purple and gold hit the road to London to face the Western Mustangs for the second time in three games on Saturday, January 7 at 7:00 pm. The Golden Hawks are looking to make this game their third win of the season. Catch all the action live on OUA.tv