The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team jump into fifth place after a 4-3 victory over the Western Mustangs on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 27) in London, Ont.

Third-year forward Ragan Danford of Madoc, Ont., scored late in the second period and notched the eventual game-winner 2:34 into the third to secure the win.

Sophomore goaltender Nicole Kesteris made 30 saves on the day.

Western opened the scoring just 15 seconds into the game; however, Blues rookie forward Jacqueline Scheffel (Waubaushene, Ont.) would even the score 10 minutes later as she beat Mustangs goaltender Kelly Campbell. The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 heading into the second period.

Western and Toronto exchanged powerplay goals midway through the second period, with Blues assistant captain Amanda Fawns tallying her fourth of the season. Danford would pot her first of the game just over a minute later to give the visiting Blues a 3-2 lead.

Danford opened the third with another goal, assisted by rookie forward Courtney Tougas, her second helper of the day, and Callie Bazak.

Down two goals, Western pulled their goalie at 16:53 of the third to give themselves a man advantage.  The Mustangs would score with 37 seconds left to bring the game within one, but the Blues held strong and came away with their fourth straight win.

The Varsity Blues return to action next Sunday, December 4 as they head to Waterloo, Ont., to take on the No. 3 Laurier Golden Hawks.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.