Ridgebacks set a program high after a four-point weekend

OUA Women's Hockey: UOIT defeated Laurentian 5-1

SUDBURY, Ont. – The UOIT women's hockey team battled through the elements traveling up North this weekend but it was well worth the trip as they picked up four points in two games. The Ridgebacks capped off the weekend on Sunday with a 5-1 victory over the Laurentian Voyageurs, pushing their winning-streak to three games.

With the victory, the Ridgebacks move into fifth place in the OUA standings with 25 points, two up on the Windsor Lancers and Western Mustangs. UOIT has 12 conference wins, which is the most is a season during the seven history of the program.

UOIT got off to a great start in Sudbury as Melissa Berney (Bowmanville, Ont.), Victoria MacKenzie (Toronto, Ont.) and Sam Forchielli (Hamilton, Ont.) all scored first period goals. This is only the second time this season UOIT has scored three goals in the opening frame.

Laurentian managed to score a power play goal early in the second period, but UOIT bounced back with goals from Zoe Battie (Nanaimo, B.C.) and Sarah Worthington (Whitby, Ont.) to seal the victory.

Worthington had her most productive game of the season as she finished the night with a goal and two assists. This was her first multi-point game of the year. After recording only four points in the first 16 games of the season, the fifth-year forward has recorded six in her last five games.

Berney and Katie Dillon (Whitby, Ont.) were the other two Ridgebacks to have multi-point games as they combined for one goal and three assists.

Tori Campbell (Lethbridge, Alta.) got her second straight start in net and stopped 18 of 19 Laurentian shots to earn her ninth win. Allowing only one goal this weekend, Campbell's goals against average dropped to 1.54 which is the third lowest in the OUA (first among freshmen).

UOIT will look to match their season long four game winning streak next Saturday when they travel to Toronto to take on York University. The Lions have struggled this season as they have posted a record of 5-14-2 but are coming off a 3-2 victory over Nipissing. In their previous meeting, UOIT shutout the Lions 3-0.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 16-9-1
Conference Record: 12-8-1

Next Game: Sat. Feb. 1 @ York (2 p.m.)