The Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Windsor Lancers 3-1 in their final exhibition game on Saturday (Sept. 30) night at Varsity Arena. 
 
It was an offence packed first period with both teams firing 14 shots on goal but it was the Lancers who broke the ice after fourth-year forward Maggie Peterson sprung a pass up the ice for forward Jessica Gribbon who buried the puck on a breakaway to give them a 1-0 lead. 
 
In the second period, Toronto's fortunes changed and their special teams were the difference maker. On the penalty kill, Blues captain Taylor Trussler blocked a Lancers shot at the Blues blueline and took the puck up the ice to tie the game at one. 
 
Trussler added another goal later in the second, this time on the power play. The fifth-year forward danced around the Lancers defence before putting the puck top shelf to give Toronto their first lead of the night. 
 
Second-year forward Emma Elders also picked up a shorthanded goal to double Toronto's lead burying the breakaway to make it 3-1 Blues. 
 
In the third period the Blues played shutdown defence to keep the game at 3-1, including killing off back-to-back penalties. The Blues ended the game a perfect eight-for-eight on the penalty kill. 
 
First-year goaltender Carlee Vance made 28 saves in the victory. 
 
The Blues now turn their attention to Friday, October 13 when they kick off the regular season against the Nipissing Lakers at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here or the game will be available to stream online via oua.tv.