OSHAWA, Ont. – The UOIT women's hockey team is still looking for their first win of preseason action as they lost a tough one at home to the Markham Thunder of the CWHL on Saturday afternoon.
 
With three quick goals from Markham coming in the first period, it was hard for the Ridgebacks to recover. The first goal came just 30 seconds into the game from Nicole Hosta, who was recently selected third overall in the 2017 draft by the Thunder. Shortly after Jamie-Lee Rattray scored the second goal of the game with a one-time slap shot from the top of the circle. The third goal was scored by Melissa Wronzberg to end the first period.
 
The Ridgebacks had a tough time controlling the pace of the game as Markham had another quick start to the second period. Just 17 seconds into the frame, Devon Skeats had herself a goal. This was quickly followed with a goal scored by Kristen Richards just 4:17 into the second.
 
UOIT was able to temporarily slow the pace of the game midway through the second when veteran Chelsea Ball (Maple, Ont.) found the back of the net with a slapshot from the point.
 
The Thunder quickly silenced any hope of the Ridgebacks coming back when Nicole Brown scored a goal late in the second to make it 6-1.
 
Despite allowing six goals against, Ridgebacks goaltender Celine Tessier (Clapleau, Que.) stood tall in goal as she face over 50 Thunder shots.
 
The Ridgebacks look ahead to their next preseason game on Thursday, October 5 when they travel to Toronto take on the Ryerson Rams.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 0-4-0
Conference Record: 0-0-0
 
Next Game: Thursday, Oct. 5 @ Ryerson – 7 p.m.