The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Sunday, October 25 at Varsity Centre, earning a second-place finish and a first round bye in the OUA playoffs.

Both teams started out the contest tentatively, neither side wanting to give up the first goal. However, after a giveaway by Ottawa keeper Melissa Peasant (Gatineau, Ont.) at the top of the penalty box, Jennifer Siu was left with an open cage. The London, Ont. native made no mistake, steadily placing the ball over the line to give the Blues a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.

The play remained mostly in the midfield throughout the half, as both of the teams showed little vulnerability in defence. Alicia Lashley was particularly strong, as the Ottawa native got her body in front of a dangerous looking shot in the 40th minute to tip the ball away. However, after a scramble in front of the Toronto goal, Tara Condos (Strathroy, Ont.) was left with enough space to get a shot away. She found the high right corner, tying the contest at 1-1 going into half time.

Knowing they needed a win to guarantee a first round bye, Ottawa came out strong early in the second half. Courtney Luscombe was strong in the forward line, consistently keeping the Blues defenders on their toes. Luscombe looked to have a break away as she received the ball in open space with her eye on goal. However, Lashley sprinted back and stripped the ball from the Ottawa native just inside the penalty area. The Gee-Gees maintained the pressure, and Elise Desjardins (Cumberland, Ont.) nearly put them ahead as she sent a low shot on goal. Mary Anne Barnes (Scarborough, Ont.) was just able to get her fingertips on the ball, tipping it just wide of the right post.

The Blues would answer back, as Jessica Fantozzi was able to steal the ball in Ottawa’s penalty area. The Richmond Hill, Ont. native got a hard shot away that forced Peasant into a difficult save. Ottawa quickly took back the momentum, as Sarah De Carufel (Laval, Que.) broke away from the Toronto defence just enough to get a shot away that sailed just wide of the left post. Luscombe then had a shot that was blocked well by Nav Deol (Mississauga). Although the Gee-Gees continuously pressured the Blues, their defence would not break, and they would hold on for a 1-1 draw.

With the tie game, the Blues finish in second place in the OUA East and earn a bye through the first round of the playoffs. Toronto will host their quarter-final match up on Saturday, October 31 at Varsity Centre.

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