The Varsity Blues opened the season with a 4-1 loss against the Nipissing Lakers on Friday (Oct. 13) night at Varsity Arena. 
 
The Lakers jumped to an early 1-0 lead as forward Emma Thomas scored in the first minute of the game. Nipissing added two more goals in the first period from forwards Madison Desmarais and Malory Dominico. 
 
The Lakers added another goal early in the second and after the Blues generated some chances they finally broke through. Fifth-year defender Aubrey Cole kept the puck in the Lakers zone before second-year forward Emma Elders danced around a Nipissing defender to score the first goal of the Blues season. 
 
In the third period both teams traded chances but Blues goalie Erica Fryer and Lakers goalie Chantelle Sanquist defended their creases before the final horn. Fryer made 19 saves on the night. 
 
The Blues will look for a quick turnaround on Saturday (Oct. 14) night against the Western Mustangs at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be streamed online via oua.tv.