Marquee Matchup: Lakers shut out Voyageurs to take commanding lead in 705 Challenge Cup

North Bay, Ont. (via Nipissing Lakers) - It was a dominant effort for the Nipissing Lakers women’s hockey team Saturday night, as they were able to showcase their skill as part of the season-long OUA Marquee Matchup schedule.

The Lakers controlled the game from start to finish and cruised to a 4-0 over their northern rivals, the Laurentian Voyageurs.

The win gives the Lakers 10 on the season, but also puts them in a commanding lead when it comes to the 705 Challenge Cup.

The Lakers were led by the Dominico sisters – Malory and Maria – as the team’s leading scorers each potted a goal in the opening frame.

Malory – the younger sister – found the back of the net first, at the 12:11 mark on the power play to put Nipissing up 1-0.

Maggie McKee and Jetta Derenoski earned assists on the game’s opening tally.

Not to be outdone, the older sibling, Maria, found the back of the net about four minutes later to put Nipissing up by a pair.

Veteran forward Brianna Gaffney and rookie Teagan Feltz picked up helpers on the second goal of the game.

The pair of Dominico goals sent the Lakers to the intermission with a 2-0 lead, as well as a 13-5 lead on the shotlock.

The Lakers added two more goals in the middle frame, doubling their lead.

First, captain Derenoski scored her second shorthanded goal of the season, giving Nipissing a 3-0 lead just minutes into the period.

Ashley Taciuk was the lone assist on the goal, as Derenoski picked up her second point of the night.

Before the period was out, the Lakers struck again.

Allison Hayhurst buried her first OUA goal, set up by Maria Dominico, who recorded her second point of the game.

Britney Zack also earned an assist on the team’s fourth goal of the contest.

Nipissing was also dominating in the shot department after 40 minutes, outshooting Laurentian 23-9.

There was nothing to report in terms of offence in the third period as the teams combined for 14 shots – seven each.

Chantelle Sandquist picked up the win in goal for the Lakers, finishing with 19 saves for the shutout victory, while Danielle Toland was the busier goalie and was tagged with the loss for Laurentian, making 21 saves through two periods, while Shanna Dolighan stopped all seven shots fired her way in the third.

Up next, both the Lakers and Voyageurs host the Laurier Golden Hawks and Waterloo Warriors next weekend.