OTTAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks shut out the Ottawa Gee-Gees 4-0 on Saturday in Ottawa, powered by a stellar goaltending performance from Ariella Merlino.

Merlino turned aside all 27 shots she faced, securing the shutout win. Erin Lawless opened the scoring early in the first period, while Kayla Welk, Harrie Jones and Leigh Burkitt each added goals in the second frame, including a power-play marker from Welk.

Ontario Tech took control in the middle frame, scoring three times in a five-minute span to put the game out of reach. The Ridgebacks held Ottawa scoreless despite multiple power-play opportunities in the third period.