The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team dropped a 4-1 decision to the OUA defending champion Laurier Golden Hawks on Sunday, October 17 at Varsity Arena.

Laurier scored two goals off the sticks of Whitby, Ont, native Devon Skeats and Brittany Crago of Stouffville, Ont., in the first 1:03 and never looked back.

A powerplay marker from Abby Rainsberry (Petroilia, Ont.) at the 15:29 mark would give the Golden Hawks a 3-0 lead heading into the second.

The Blues spoiled the shut out midway through the game on a powerplay when rookie Amanda Ricker of Kanata, Ont., jumped on a Kelly O’Hanlon rebound to beat Laurier goaltender Liz Knox (Stouffville, Ont.).

The Golden Hawks would add one more powerplay goal towards the end of the second frame as Alannah Wakefield of Pickering, Ont., picked up a loose puck in front and shot it into the top corner of the net.

First-year Blues goaltender Nicole Kesteris of Aurora, Ont., relieved starter Kendyl Valenta in the first period and went on to make 37 saves in the loss. Second-year defenceman Marlie McLaughlin of Ottawa was named the Varsity Blues player of the game.

The Varsity Blues return to action next Saturday, October 23 when they host the Western Mustangs at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 4 p.m.

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