Box Score The Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team converted twice on the powerplay to edge the UOIT Ridgebacks 3-1 at Varsity Arena on Friday night (January 12). It marked U of T's third win in their last four games.
 
Lauren Straatman tied a career-high with three points on the night and linemate Louie Bieman registered two points, one of which was the game-winner.
 
The Varsity Blues dominated the puck battle early and a created a couple key scoring chances. Gabrielle De Serres, who picked up her first career OUA goal last game, went end to end but couldn't get it by Ridgebacks goalie Celine Tessier.
 
Less than minute later off the faceoff in Toronto's end, Jessica Robichaud poked it by defenceman Nicole Zabel for the breakaway. Similar to De Serres, third-year forward failed to find the back of the net. The Blues threw 24 pucks towards the net for 11 shots, compared to UOIT's 12 for a total of six shots, but weren't able to score.
 
The Ridgebacks opened the scoring with 6:45 left in the period. Chelsea Ball attempted the wrap around and the rebound squirted to Katie Heath, who made no mistake.
 
The Varsity Blues finally solved the puzzle on their third powerplay chance midway through the second. Lauren Straatman sent a wide-angle shot from beside the net and it somehow got by Tessier.
 
Midway through the third, Straatman intercepted a break out pass and when she attempted to connect with Louie Bieman in front, the puck hit a UOIT's skate. Bieman than drove to beat Tessier for her team-leading sixth goal. It gave Toronto their first lead of the game.
 
On their fifth powerplay with under three minutes remaining, Cristine Chao made an nice move to gain space and sniped it top shelf to hand Toronto a two-goal cushion. The Blues went 2-for-5 with the man advantage, which turned out to be the difference.
 
Valenica Yordanov made 16 saves to grab her first win of the season, while counterpart Tessier stopped 22 of the 25 shots she faced in a losing effort.
 
U of T's improves to 8-0-6-1 (W-OTW-L-OTL) and jumps over Waterloo and Ryerson to take sole possession of sixth place in the conference. UOIT have now lost seven of their last eight games for a record of 3-2-8-2.
 
The Blues five-game home stand comes to an end Saturday night (January 13) when they battle the No.7 Guelph Gryphons in the first of a home-and-home. Guelph (9-2-4-0) is currently riding a five-game winning streak and has only lost once in their previous 11 contests.
 
Toronto women's hockey team also kicks off the first of a full slate of games in support of the 11th annual Think Pink, #BleedBlue campaign. All funds raised go directly to Canadian Cancer Society (CSS). For more information visit varsityblues.ca/thinkpink. 

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