The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team fell 2-1 in overtime to the No. 3 nationally ranked Laurier Golden Hawks on Thursday (Jan. 29) afternoon in Waterloo, Ont.

The Golden Hawks generated string chances in the offensive zone to begin the game but second-year goaltender Lyla McKinnon set the tone when she turned aside Ella Jackson on a breakaway. Carrying the momentum from McKinnon's strong start, the Blues scored the icebreaker as third-year forward's Ashley Delahey and Taylor Delahey combined to set up first-year forward Petra Klimes who beat a sprawling Sarah Howell for her fourth goal of the season. Laurier was able to net an equalizer before the end of the period as Clara Chisholm create traffic in front of U of T's net.

The second period saw both Toronto and Laurier grind it out through 20 scoreless minutes. The Blues were able to generate chances and continued to push the pace and spend time in the offensive zone. McKinnon remained an X factor in goal, turning aside the nine shots she faced in the middle frame.

The third period stayed scoreless as the game tightened up. Toronto pushed for the go-ahead goal and generated scoring chances off the rush but Howell was strong in goal. At the other end, McKinnon matched the OUA leader in save percentage with some of the best of her 23 saves in the game and staying calm under pressure to force overtime.

Overtime had action at both ends of the ice but Hayley Szymanowski capitalized on a wrap around to break the deadlock and secure the win for the Golden Hawks.

The Blues have another U SPORTS Top 10 opponent on the horizon as they'll hit the road to take on the No. 6 ranked Guelph Gryphons on Saturday (Jan. 31) night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on oua.tv.