Garrett Kidd (Photo: Marc Lafleur)
OTTAWA - The Carleton Ravens women's hockey team saw their season come to a close on Saturday with a 5-2 loss against the visiting Waterloo Warriors. The loss came just one day after picking up a decisive 5-2 win against Ontario Tech.
On Friday, the first period mirrored the Ravens' tough season: they dominated with 18 shots but had no goals to show for it. The Ridgebacks capitalized on their first shot, with Erin Lawless slicing through the Ravens' defence to give her team a 1-0 lead at intermission.
In the second period, the Ravens' luck turned. Vicky Kay scored her third goal of the year, assisted by Sydney Berta and Anya Misner, tying the game at one. Despite dominating play and adding another 18 shots, Nicole Hunter netted her second goal of the season with 90 seconds left, giving the Ravens a 2-1 lead. Captain Justin Beard noted, "That's the hockey gods for you; we were happy with the results."
The third period saw Ontario Tech's frustrations benefit the Ravens. High-sticking and too many men penalties led to power-play goals for the Ravens. Justina Beard and Sydney Berta each scored, widening the lead. Beard emphasized the importance of special teams: "We had a goal to win the special teams battle, and we did our job." Julia Jackson quickly responded for the Ridgebacks, but Anya Misner sealed the game with an empty-net goal, ensuring a much-needed win for the Ravens.
The Ravens played a complete game, relaxed and free from playoff pressure. Head Coach Stacey Colarossi praised her team's effort: "When you're knocked out of the playoffs, it's easy to play free without any pressure."
On Saturday, the Ravens finished their season at home against the nationally ranked Waterloo Warriors on seniors' night. Six graduating players took the ice for possibly the last time and confidence was high after a 5-2 win against Ontario Tech. Ella Grad started in net for just her second appearance of the season and her first start in the OUA.
The Ravens started strong with Olwyn Jones scoring unassisted, followed by Vicky Kay's rebound goal, giving them a 2-0 lead. However, Waterloo responded with goals from Gracey Smith and Brodi Levitt, tying the game by the end of the first period.
In the second period, the Ravens struggled to capitalize on their chances, while Waterloo extended their lead with goals from Nikki McDonald and Leah Herrfort.
The third period saw both teams playing a cat-and-mouse game, but Brodi Levitt's second goal sealed the win for Waterloo. Goaltender Lauryn Busseri stopped 31 of 33 shots, while Grad made several key saves in the first two periods before giving way to rookie Kaitlyn Langille for the third.
With the loss, the Ravens finished the season 6-15-2-3 and 7th in the OUA's East Division.
