In their opening games of the season, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s water polo team came away with an impressive 13-8 victory over the Queen’s Gaels, and a tough 12-10 loss against their rivals, the Carleton Ravens on Saturday, Oct. 17 at U of T’s Varsity Pool.

In their first game of the day, the Blues got off to a slow start against the Gaels who took the early lead. Shannel Rajan and Carla Henderson (Nanaimo, B.C.) notched two points apiece for the Gaels in first quarter keeping good possession of the ball throughout. It wasn’t until the final minute that third-year Blues player Deanne Vincent (Toronto) tallied one for the Blues.

It was a back-and-forth game from there on. The Blues dominated the second quarter scoring another nine goals - three of which came from first-year player Brittany Sinclair (Scarborough, Ont.). Their advantage didn’t last for long however as the Gaels fought to narrow the gap, bringing the score to 10-8.

The Blues defenders worked hard to fend off their opponent in the final quarter and ultimately ended up getting another three goals, sealing with win by a five-point margin.

In game two, the Blues took on the Ravens in a repeat of last year’s OUA championship match.
Anna Marie Capella (Toronto) and Susan Armstrong (Ottawa) scored the first goals of the game, however, the Ravens quickly answered back with two of their own to even the score. 

It was a close quarter and both goalkeepers were in fine form, blocking multiple shots, but Sinclair managed to squeeze one in to put the Blues ahead after the first quarter of action.

In the second quarter, Toronto lost their advantage as Carleton scored twice to regain momentum, and the lead.

Capella notched the first two goals of the third quarter but again the Ravens answered back, scoring six unanswered goals to build a 10-6 cushion.

Though the Blues fought to even the score, finding the net four more times in the final quarter, they could not complete the comeback as the Ravens took the game 12-10.

The Blues are back in the water to take on the York Lions on October 22nd at York University. Game time is scheduled for 7:15 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.