LONDON, Ont. - After a memorable 2024-25 campaign that saw the Laurier Golden Hawks women's hockey team post 17 wins – their best mark since 2014 – and break into the U SPORTS Top 10 for the first time in over a decade, the team opened their 2025 preseason on Saturday night in London against the Western Mustangs.

With last year's U SPORTS all-rookie Sarah Howell getting the start between the pipes, Laurier came out strong in support, building a 2-0 lead through goals from Emerie Maltby and Elle Spencer.

The Golden Hawks carried that advantage into the final frame before Western stormed back with four unanswered goals in the latter half of the third period.

Avry Pederson led the charge with a pair of tallies, while Leah Barnard and Janique Labossiere also found the back of the net to secure the 4-2 comeback win for the Mustangs.

Laurier return to preseason action on Thursday night when they visit Highway 7 rivals, the Guelph Gryphons. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Gryphon Centre Arena.