The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s hockey team dropped a close 6-5 decision to the Queen’s Gaels on Sunday, October 11 at Varsity Arena.

Toronto opened up the scoring just 1:28 into the game on their first powerplay opportunity as second-year forward Callie Bazak (Peterborough, Ont.) walked out of the corner and sent a low shot through the skates of Queen’s goaltender Karissa Savage (Calgary, Alta.).

Queen’s went on to score three unanswered goals in the span of three minutes. Alison Bagg (Kingston, Ont.) got the Gaels on the board, sending a low point shot into the back of the net. Exactly one minute later on a Blues powerplay, Queen’s picked off a pass and Kelsey Thomson (Martintown, Ont.) made no mistake, finding a way past U of T goaltender Kendyl Valenta (Brampton, Ont.) for a shorthanded goal.

Less than two minutes later Morgan McHaffie (Guelph, Ont.) skated into Blues territory and fired a shot over Valenta’s glove to give the Gaels a 3-1 lead.

The Blues began to rally and on their next powerplay opportunity, fifth-year defenceman Amy Cornell (Oakville, Ont.) sent a high shot from the point past Savage and into the net.

With just over a minute left in the first period, first-year standouts Alie and Courtney Brind’Amour McClure (Waterdown, Ont.) found themselves on a two-on-one opportunity. Alie faked the pass, freezing the Gaels defenceman and goalie as she sent the puck into the top corner of the net.

The game was tied 3-3 after the first period.

The Gaels tallied their second shorthanded goal of the game just 1:26 into the second period off the stick of Shleby Aitcheson (London, Ont.).

Queen’s continued to press and Valenta made some key saves for the Blues to keep the game within reach.

At the 12:11 mark of second period, fifth-year veteran Annie DelGuidice (Hamilton, Ont.) batted a Karolina Urban (Kamloops, B.C.) pass out of the air and into the net to tie things up at 4-4.

Toronto go the go-ahead goal with just over one minute left when Darby Smith chipped the puck past a Gaels defenceman and sent a pass to fellow Madoc, Ont. native Rangan Danford who one-timed it into the net. The Blues held a 4-3 lead heading into the final frame.

The Gaels came out hungry in the third period and tied things up when Thomson sent a pass to Becky Conroy (Pembroke, Ont.) all alone in the slot, who sent the puck five hole into the net.

With less than seven minutes remaining, Queen’s scored what would be the eventual game-winner when Michelle Hunt (Mississauga, Ont.) picked up a loose puck in front of the net and skated around Valenta to find a hole.

Despite their best efforts, the Blues were unable to solve Savage again and fell 6-5.

Kelly Setter (Keswick, Ont.) was named the Blues player of the game for her solid defensive play throughout the game.

The Varsity Blues return to action on Saturday, October 24 when they travel to London, Ont. to take on the Western Mustangs. The puck drops at 4 p.m.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.