The No. 7 nationally-ranked Varsity Blues women's hockey team put forth an all-around team effort in a 2-1 win against the Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday (Jan. 27) afternoon in Waterloo, Ont.
 
The Golden Hawks opened the scoring in the game just after the five minute mark when forward Christina McCulloch was open in the slot and found the back of the net, putting Toronto down a goal early. The Blues were able to rebound from the opening goal and despite not getting an equalizer of their own in the first, they were able to produce good scoring chances. Blues fifth-year netminder Erica Fryer was able to keep the Blues in it, stopping nine of 10 Laurier shots in the opening frame.
 
In the second period, the Blues came out flying and were controlling the pace of play. As the Blues applied pressure in the offensive zone, Laurier goaltender Acadia Carlson lost her stick and the Blues were able to take advantage. Sending the puck around the Laurier defence, first-year forward Taylor Delahey sprung a pass to the high slot for third-year defender Lauren Omoto, who then sent the puck to fellow third-year defender Kalie Chan. Chan then blasted a shot through traffic which went off the post and into the back of the net for Chan's first goal of the season. Toronto and Laurier continued to trade chances as the period went on, but after 40 minutes of play the game was deadlocked at one goal each.
 
In the third period the Blues jumped out to an early lead. Delahey once again came flying down the right wing and fired a shot that beat Carlson glove side as the Blues pulled ahead. As the period continued, Fryer made some of the best of her 31 total saves to keep the Blues ahead by a goal. As Fryer backstopped them in net, the Blues played a strong defensive game, applying pressure on Laurier's offence and were able to neutralize them for the rest of the period to exit the ice with a victory.

The win marks the 15th of the season for Toronto as they achieved a 7-1 record through the month of January. The nationally-ranked Blues currently sit second in the OUA East division with a 15-6-1-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) record and just six games remaining in the regular season.
 
The Blues will be back in action next Saturday (Feb. 3) as they head to Windsor for a matchup with the Lancers. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.