The No. 3 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team defeated the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 5-1 on Saturday (Oct. 18) night in Oshawa, Ont.

In a night of firsts for U of T, first-year forwards Petra Klimes and Eden Gowing both notched their first career goals in the OUA. Meanwhile, first-year defender Olivia Brassard's assist on Klimes' goal marked her first point in the OUA.

The Blues came out strong in the opening 20 minutes, generating lots of offence. Despite the strong start, Ontario Tech broke the ice with a power play goal from Emily Harrison. Less than two minutes later, Klimes responded when the social science student deflected in Brassard's point shot to even the score.

The second period saw the Blues control play. Midway through the middle frame, third-year forward Abby Whitworth picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone. As she skated into the Ridgebacks zone, she fired a shot over the blocker of goaltender Ava Antle for her fourth goal of the season. Moments later, Gowing's marker gave U of T a two-goal cushion. At the other end of the ice, Toronto's defence held the Ridgebacks to 12 shots on goal through two periods of play as the offence fired 26 towards Antle.

As the Blues continued to press in the third period they extended their lead as second-year forward Laralee Rizzari deflected second-year defender Jaia Freer's shot. In the late stages of the period the Blues added more insurance to their goal total as third-year forward Taylor Delahey connected with her twin sister Ashley Delahey. The Blues shut down Ontario Tech as the game progressed, capping off a strong night in goal from second-year Lyla McKinnon who finished the game with 20 saves.

The Blues are back on the ice on Friday (Oct. 24) night when they host the Nipissing Lakers in their home opener at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. U of T students receive free entry with a valid T-Card. The game will also be streamed live on oua.tv.