OTTAWA, Ont. – After an undefeated five-game homestand, the Golden Hawks travelled to Ottawa to face the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, where they fell 1-0 in a shootout on Friday night.
The matchup marked the first meeting between the Golden Hawks and Gee-Gees since last season's OUA semifinals.
Rookie
Emma Kloosterman made her second straight start for Laurier, facing veteran Ottawa netminder Clara Genier.
Both goaltenders stopped every shot they faced in regulation, sending the 0-0 game to overtime.
The Golden Hawks drew a penalty in the final half minute of the 7-minute overtime period and seemingly scored the overtime winner with ten seconds remaining, but the goal was called back for goaltender interference after a long discussion amongst the officials.
In the ensuing shootout, Gillian Warren deked around Kloosterman to score in the first round, while Laurier's shootout specialist
Marra Klassen was denied by Genier.
Ottawa's Alexa Pongo and Laurier's
Alexa Giantsopoulos were both unsuccessful in their second-round attempts, but Naomi Morin clinched the win for the Gee-Gees in round three, beating Kloosterman on her blocker side.
"The finish was a challenge tonight. I thought their goalie played well and kept the game 0-0, as did Emma in her start in our net," said Laurier's manager of women's hockey operations and head coach
Kelly Paton.
The Golden Hawks remain in the nation's capital to play the Carleton Ravens on Saturday, with a 5:00 PM puck drop.
"Carleton's been a team that has been quite competitive all year, and they've done well against other top teams," remarked Paton. "We expect their best effort, and hope the girls can respond with good energy tomorrow."
Subscribers can stream the game live on OUA.tv.
