Friday night saw the Waterloo Warriors women's hockey team charge past the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold with a huge 9-2 win, advancing their record to an impressive 5-1.
The Warriors came out strong, controlling possession and winning crucial puck battles early in the game. After establishing offensive pressure, Waterloo opened the scoring with a quick pass from Leah Herrfort (Palmerston) to Madison Pritchard (Richards Landing), who connected with Carly Orth (Bolton) in the slot for a clean shot to make it 1-0. Their momentum carried into a power play where Lyndsy Acheson (Summerland) unleashed a point shot that was skillfully tipped in by Emma Thornton (Kitchener), doubling the lead. The Bold answered back with a breakaway goal to close the gap to 2-1, but the Warriors struck twice more. A pinpoint pass from Sarah Bestic (Waterloo) to Carly Orth (Bolton) set up a beautiful post and in goal, and just before the period's end, a precise series of passes from Tatum James (Stratord) to Leah Herrfort (Palmerston) found Emma Thornton (Kitchener) for her second goal, ending the period at 4-1.
The Bold applied more pressure in the second period, but Warriors goalie Kara Mark (New Hamburg) held firm, making key saves on shots from all angles. Waterloo continued their offensive surge as Madison Pritchard (Richards Landing) broke free and set up Nikki McDonald (Stoney Creek) for a slick backhand goal, bringing the score to 5-1. Midway through the period, Kassidy McCarthy (Bowmanville) capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, ripping a shot top-shelf for the Warriors' sixth goal. Despite a late Bold power-play goal, the period concluded with Waterloo firmly in control at 6-2.
Waterloo's intensity didn't let up in the final period. Keiara Raitt (Ancaster) converted on a passing play with Carly Orth (Bolton) and Andrea Murray (Mississauga) to add another, while Sarah Bestic (Waterloo) fired an unassisted power-play goal to extend the lead to 8-2. Emma Thornton (Kitchener) capped off her outstanding night with a third goal, completing her hat trick off a setup from Lyndsy Acheson (Summerland) and sealing the Warriors' victory at 9-2.
The Warriors' prowess on face offs, quick retrieval of loose pucks, and relentless fore checking showcased their depth, skill, and precision. Waterloo demonstrated the competitive edge that's been key to their strong season start. Up next, the Warriors head on the road to face the Brock Badgers tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., looking to continue their momentum.
