Waterloo, Ont. – The Golden Hawks took to Alumni Field on Wednesday for their first OUA playoff game of the season. Taking on the Windsor Lancers for the second time in the 2023 season, coach
Barry MacLean said that "this time around there is a lot more pressure and a lot more stress," given the OUA playoffs are sudden death.
The teams took to the pitch at 6 p.m. and tensions were running high. Keeping in mind that these two teams finished the regular season with identical records, it is not shocking that this highly anticipated playoffs match was very close. At the 20-minute mark, there had been three shots by Laurier players and two shots by Windsor players, one of which, shot by Windsor striker Elizabeth Elliot was the first goal of the match. Laurier continued to apply pressure but were unable to get anything solid past the brick wall of Windsor's defensive line.
Starting the second half, Laurier came out full of fire and began dominating the play. Around the 55', the Golden Hawks drew a foul just past midfield. Tamara Lisser took the kick, passing it to Jyanessa Sealy who sent a high ball to the middle of Windsor's 18-yard box, where second-year striker Jada Johnson was waiting to pounce and knocked the ball in making it 1-1.
As time ticked on, tension on the pitch came to a head, resulting in yellow cards for Windsor player Emma Beaulieu, Laurier strikers Jyanessa Sealy and Sasha Marikano and Windsor keeper Isabella Barrett. Barrett's foul resulted in a penalty kick, which was taken by Laurier veteran striker Sasha Marikano, who without hesitation buried the ball in the back of the net. Both teams continued to fight but the Golden Hawks were able to hold onto the lead, securing a birth in the OUA quarterfinals.
MacLean expressed how impressed he was with the girls play and with their ability to regroup going into the second half of the match and take possession of the game.
TOP PERFORMERS
Laurier Golden Hawks
#27 – Tamara Lisser
The first-year Laurier defender carries herself as anything but a rookie. Lisser was a solid defender on the back line as well as being insanely quick to catch any Windsor players trying to catch a fast break. Lisser was also crucial in multiple offensive plays, including taking the free kick resulting in the first Laurier goal.
Windsor Lancers
#8 – Elizabeth Elliot
Elliot was a true leader on the pitch throughout the match and a dependable player to have in the middle. The fourth-year midfielder was often seen sprinting into the Laurier defensive zone, almost uncatchable. Elliot scored the lone goal for the Lancers.
UP NEXT
The Golden Hawks will travel to London this coming Saturday, October 28 to take on the OUA regular season champions, the Western Mustangs, for their second playoff game. Stream the match live on OUA.tv and follow along on X for live updates.
