OSHAWA, Ont. – A pair of hat tricks lifted the UOIT women's soccer team to victory in their OUA season opener against Nipissing Saturday afternoon at Vaso's Field.
 
It took the Ridgebacks offence 20 minutes to heat up once it did, they did not cool down.
 
Cassandra Sribny (Pickering, Ont.) got the Ridgebacks on the board 24 minutes into the game, finishing a shot fired wide by Shynice Williams (Mississauga, Ont.).
 
Less than ten minutes later, Williams would connect on back-to-back goals just one minute apart, putting the Ridgebacks up 3-0 at the half.
 
Six minutes into the second half, Sribny struck again for her second of the game.
 
Williams would complete her hat-trick at the 81 minute mark, coming off her team-high eighth shot on target. Not to be outdone, Sribny matched Williams total with her third goal that came in the 90^th minute. Both players finished with three goals and an assist.
 
Sara Voisin (Waterloo, Ont.) and Jessica Mithrush (Thunder Bay, Ont.) each picked up an assist in the win.
 
Quick passes, controlling time of possession and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns were the key to victory for the defending OUA bronze medalists.
 
It total, the Ridgebacks fired 18 shots on target, with Nipissing goaltender Carlee Bennard making 12 saves.
 
In three games this season (including preseason), UOIT's defence has not allowed a goal against. Helen Frampton (Toronto) made six saves in goal, before being relived in the 81^st minute by Victoria Savage (Woodbridge, Ont.).
 
UOIT will have a short turnaround for their second game of the weekend as they host the Laurentian Voyageurs on Sunday at noon.
 
A QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 2-0-1
Conference Record: 1-0-0
 
Next Game: Sun. Aug. 30 vs. Laurentian (12 p.m.)