LAURIER WINS SIXTH CONSECUTIVE OUA LACROSSE TITLE
"The game started with a lot tighter of a score than it has been before," commented Laurier head coach Lynn Orth on the back and forth play early on. "We were able to adjust and play the game we wanted to today and eventually hold up the OUA banner."
Queen's opened up scoring early in the contest as Martha Ross (Newton, Mass.) put one by Golden Hawk backstop Hanna Burnett (Whitby, Ont.). Braedyn O'Rahilly (Whitby, Ont.) responded minutes later and the scoring went back and forth until the 21:23 minute mark into the first when Laurier would take over the lead at 5-4.
O'Rahilly and Amy Fincham (Whitby, Ont.) scored a combined six goals in the first half of the game that saw the teams break with the Golden Hawks up 8-4. Veteran attack Kirsten Gerrie (Orillia, Ont.) was one of three athletes who picked up three points in the game.
"We knew we had to step up after a tough game last night against Toronto," commented Gerrie, a four time gold medalist. "It doesn't get old getting this colour of medal around my neck; it feels great to win this today, together as a team."
Heather McHardy (Whitby, Ont.) picked up four points in a goal and three assists, the same as Gerrie. Laura Juha (Mississauga, Ont.), Kristen Sarson (Bedford, Mass.) and Emma Pink (Orangeville, Ont.) scored the balance of Laurier's goals.
Burnett had a strong game in net for the Golden Hawks blocking several shots from key Gaels players including 2008 OUA Most Valuable Offensive Player Lisa McLaughlin (Whitby, Ont.).
Ross led Queen's with three points in the contest including a second goal late in the first half. McLaughlin and Carley Miller (Brampton, Ont.) scored the balance of the Gael goals in the first half while Gwyn Ross (Newton, Mass.) scored the only one in the second.
On Saturday, Laurier defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues 13-5 while Queen's downed the Western Mustangs 12-5 in the OUA semi-finals. Toronto defeated Western 12-6 for the OUA bronze medal. Jen Held (Brampton, Ont.) scored five goals in the victory.
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