OSHAWA, Ont. - Behind a hat-trick from fourth-year striker Taijah Henderson, the UOIT Ridgebacks women's soccer team defeated the Windsor Lancers 3-1 on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 19) at the Oshawa Civic.

Just past the 10-minute mark Henderson turned on the afterburners to run past the Lancers defence en route to the opening goal of the contest.

The high-paced action continued with Windsor forward Cassie Chretien evening the game 1-1 at the 20-minute mark. However, Henderson's speed was once again unmatched as she made a quick turn off a long ball before depositing it into the back of the net. Her second goal of the match came just one minute after the Lancers tied the game. UOIT entered the halftime break ahead 2-1.

During the second half the veteran UOIT back line of Lauren Rea and Mikaela Tierney shut down any momentum of the Lancers, controlling play in the Ridgebacks half, while providing strong passes down the field. It was a Tierney pass that began action for Henderson's third goal of the game in the 50th minute. The speedster was able to stop the ball from going past the end line for a goal kick and after saving the ball from out of bounds, Henderson made a quick move past a Lancers defender to cut in front of the Windsor net and secure her preseason hat-trick.

Second-year goalkeeper Olivia Tierney picked up the win for the Ridgebacks, making 4 saves through 90 minutes. Lancers starting goalkeeper Kristina Brooks registered two saves before being replaced in the 60th minute.

UOIT will end their exhibition schedule on Tuesday, Aug. 21 when they challenge FC Durham. Action is set for 1 p.m. at the Oshawa Civic.

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