The Varsity Blues women’s hockey team fell 6-0 to the No. 2 Laurier Golden Hawks Sunday, January 15 at Varsity Arena.

The loss drops the Blues (9-8-1) into sixth place behind the Windsor Lancers in the OUA.

One night after mounting an impressive comeback against the Waterloo Warriors, the Blues struggled to find their game offensively, and were outshot 46-16 by the Golden Hawks.

Laurier opened up a 3-0 lead in the first period, on goals from Tammy Freiburger, Brittany Crago, and Laura Brooker. The third goal coming on a penalty shot from Brooker, who backhanded the puck over a sprawling Krista Funke (Regina, Sask.)

Aurora, Ont. native Nicole Kesteris replaced Funke at the start of the second period and made 27 saves the rest of the way in a losing effort.

Discipline played a major factor in the game’s outcome, with both teams receiving a combined 40 minutes in penalties. The Golden Hawks converted on three of eleven powerplay opportunities and added a penalty shot marker.

The Blues battled hard to find the back of the net in the second, with Brenley Jorgensen (Kingston, Ont.) narrowly missing on a breakaway opportunity, and Amanda Fawns of Scarborough, Ont. firing a one-timer from the slot that was stopped by Laurier goaltender Erika Thunder.

The Golden Hawks padded their lead in the second period on back-to-back goals from Abby Rainsberry.

Crago notched the only goal of the third period, her second of the game, on the powerplay to bring the final score to 6-0.

Thunder made 16 saves to earn the shutout and first star honours.

The Blues return to action this Friday (Jan. 20) when they host the York Lions at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.

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