WATERLOO, Ont. – Nicole Zabel (Palmerston, Ont.) scored the lone goal for the UOIT women's hockey team in their 1-0 victory over the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday afternoon, the Ridgebacks first win of the year.
 
This puts UOIT 1-1-0 so far this season after a tough preseason left them without a victory.
 
"It's good to get that first one," said head coach Justin Caruana. "The girls have been doing all the right things so to finally get rewarded and see the hard work payoff is great for the team."
 
After two goal-less periods, which saw the Warriors outshoot the Ridgebacks 20-15, Zabel's goal came just 1:19 into the final 20 minutes. Her goal came on the power play after Rachel Marriott's checking to the head penalty at the end of the second period.
   
This was her third goal with the Ridgebacks, while Mikaeli Cavell (Edmonton, Alta.) earned her 37^th assist with UOIT.
 
Briar Hughes (Thornton, Ont.) made 28 saves for her second OUA shutout. Stephanie Sluys made 23 saves for the Warriors in the loss.
 
"The team played a solid 60 minutes from the goalie all the way up to the forwards, with everyone coming ready to compete and willing to do what it took to get the job done," said Caruana. "The key is not getting too high after that win as there's lots more work to do as we prepare for a tough opponent in Brock tomorrow."
 
Sunday the Ridgebacks will wrap up their weekend in St. Catharines against the Brock Badgers, who lost their opening game of the season on Saturday to the Queen's Gaels.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 1-7-0
Conference Record: 1-1-0
 
Next Game: Sunday, Oct. 22 @ Brock Badgers (2:15 PM)