ST. CATHERINES, Ont. - Tensions were so high on Friday night that you'd be forgiven for mistaking Laurier's 2-1 season-opening road win over Brock as a late-season match-up.
Coming off last year's campaign when they made their first OUA playoff appearance since 2016, expectations were understandably higher heading into game #1.Â
Somewhat surprisingly though, it was Laurier's rookie striker
George Kirio who opened the scoring in the 25th minute of play.
The chippiness started in earnest in the 43rd minute when Laurier's Arjun Khela received a yellow card.
Khela received a second yellow card minutes into the second half, resulting in the second-year defender having to sit out Laurier's next match.Â
Minutes later, the purple and gold were shown a team yellow, and in the 79th minute of play, fourth-year forward
Matthew Andree received one as well, bringing the total up to four.
In the 72nd minute, Brock's Sebastian Petrilli scored to tie the match at 1-1.
With fans in attendance on edge, second-year English major
Adriano Colangelo scored in the 88th minute, dramatically securing the win for Laurier.
Â
The result was Laurier's fourth victory in their last five matches against the Badgers.
Top Performers
Laurier Golden HawksÂ
#9 –
Adriano ColangeloÂ
Colangelo was a crucial member of the team's attacking line, scoring a goal in the dying minutes to secure a full three-point result.
Brock BadgersÂ
#12 – Sebastian PetrilliÂ
Petrilli led his team in shots on goal and had Brock's lone tally on the night.
Up NextÂ
Laurier finishes their long weekend road trip with a stop in the GTA at York.Â
The Lions and the Golden Hawks will face off at 3:15 pm. Catch the game live on OUA.tv or check out @WLUAthletics on X for live updates.
Â