OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT women's hockey team closed out their 2016-17 with a 2-1 shootout loss to the Waterloo Warriors Sunday afternoon at the Campus Ice Centre.
The Ridgebacks forced overtime in dramatic fashion as
Chelsea Ball (Maple, Ont.) scored with 29 seconds left, breaking up Waterloo's shutout streak over UOIT that lasted over five periods.
Natasha Tymcio (Caledon, Ont.) blasted a shot from the point that resulted in a big rebound that Waterloo was unable to clear. Ball took advantage of the opportunity and scored the game-tying goal.
After two scoreless overtime periods, UOIT managed to score twice in four rounds of the shootout with
Kassidy Nauboris (Brampton, Ont.) and Ball converting on their attempt. Unfortunately for the Ridgebacks, Waterloo would one-up them scoring three times to take the game 2-1.
With the win, Waterloo finished in fourth place and clinched home ice advantage in the playoffs. UOIT ended up in tenth place, missing out on the playoffs for a third straight year.
In her final game as a Ridgeback, goaltender
Tori Campbell (Saskatoon, Sask.) was terrific allowing just one first period goal on 31 Waterloo shots on net. Her counterpart Stephanie Sluys, who shutout UOIT in their first meeting of the season, made 24 saves in her seventh win of the year.
Prior to the game, UOIT honoured nine student-athletes who played in their final game as a Ridgeback including
Shanelle Doucette (Bowmanville, Ont.),
Teresa Horner (Hamilton, Ont.), Campbell,
Rachel Budden (Richmond, B.C.),
Laura Marchese (Burlington, Ont.),
Nicole LoPresti (Hamilton, Ont.), Samantha Forchielli (Hamilton, Ont.),
Cassie Charette (Ottawa, Ont.) and
Jenna Carter (Whitby, Ont.).
UOIT had some players near the top of the leaderboard as Nauboris ended up fourth in OUA goal scoring with 15 while
Mikaeli Cavell (Edmonton, Alta.) was third in assists with 15.
The Ridgebacks posted a 9-9-6 record, their most wins since the 2013-14 season.
UOIT will now focus on building for next year during the offseason with hopes of returning to the playoffs in 2018.
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 10-12-7
Conference Record: 9-9-6
