The No. 5 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team fell 4-3 in overtime to the Nipissing Lakers in their home opener on Friday (Oct. 24) night at Varsity Arena.

In front of the home crowd, the Blues came out strong against Nipissing. They were able to sound the goal horn first when first-year forward Petra Klimes grabbed a rebound after a scramble in front of the net. The Lakers responded when Abby Lunney's shot snuck into the back of the net. Jill Hennessy scored Nipissing's second goal, picking up a give-and-go pass and snapped a shot to take the lead.
 
Trailing by one to begin the second period, the Blues kept pressing with a strong offensive push, boosting their shot total to 32 on goal through 40 minutes of play. The Lakers extended their lead with a goal from Tessa Kosec. The Blues answered quickly, pouncing on a rebound and Christina Alexiou buried it to bring Toronto back within one.
 
The Blues came out firing in the third, piling on the pressure and racking up an impressive 42 shots on goal by the end of regulation. Their persistence finally paid off when third-year forward Ashley Delahey picked up the puck in the slot and dished it to fellow third-year Taylor Delahey along the wall, who ripped a shot over goaltender Jordan Sladics' blocker to tie the game at three. On the other end, second-year goaltender Lyla McKinnon made her best saves of the game to keep the score tied and force overtime. 
 
In overtime, both sides traded chances in fast paced action. The Lakers capitalized on a loose puck to create scoring chance as Hennessy scored the game winner with her second goal of the game.
 
The Blues are back in action on Saturday (Oct. 25) afternoon against the Carleton Ravens at Varsity Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 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.