OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT women's hockey team finished up their preseason action Saturday afternoon when they hosted the Toronto Furies of the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL). After a hard fought game the Ridgebacks fell 4-2.
 
Toronto came out strong, scoring three goals in the first period. Shannon Stewart impressed the crowd with a wicked slapshot from the point to score the Furies first goal. Just a few seconds after, Jessica Platt buried the second one for Toronto. The third goal was another strong slapshot from the point by Carlee Campbell.
 
Midway through the second period Furies captain, Emily Fulton, was able to score on a power play, increasing the lead to 4-0.
 
"Overall it was good to see the girls continue to compete, even after we came out flat in the first," said Ridgebacks head coach, Justin Caruana.
 
The Ridgebacks did start to show some fight near the end of the second as they scored their own power play goal. Megan Johnston (Goderich, Ont.) was the first to put UOIT on the board, with a sweet wrist shot from the point.
 
With just three seconds left in the second period Marissa Murphy (Kingston, Ont.) was able to capitalize on a rebound and bring the Ridgebacks within two. Unfortunately, the Ridgebacks ran out of time and were unable to comeback from the two-goal deficit.
 
Despite the loss, the Ridgebacks are looking to head in to regular season action on a high note.
 
"We have a good mix of girls this year, with a lot of new rookies coming in, and we are excited for this season to start."
 
The Ridgebacks will play their home opener on October 14 as they host the Queen's Gaels. Puckdrop is set for 3:30 p.m. at Campus Ice Centre.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 0-6-0
Conference Record: 0-0-0
 
Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 14 vs. Queen's Gaels  (3:30 PM @ Campus Ice Centre)