The Waterloo Warriors and Laurier Golden Hawks faced off in game two of their playoff battle, with the Warriors looking to close out the series after an electrifying overtime win on Wednesday.

With the intensity dialed up and a packed crowd behind them, Waterloo wasted no time setting the pace. The Warriors struck first as Gracey Smith (Waterloo, ON) made a slick setup to Nikki McDonald (Stoney Creek, ON), who found the back of the net to open the scoring. The high energy play continued, with both teams pushing the tempo, but Waterloo held their edge heading into the intermission with a 1-0 lead.

Laurier came out aggressive in the second period, earning a string of power plays that could have shifted momentum in their favor. Yet, the Warriors' penalty kill was clinical, shutting down lanes and keeping Laurier to the outside. Not only did they neutralize the Golden Hawks' attack, but they turned adversity into opportunity as Leah Herrfort (Palmerston, ON) pounced on a shorthanded chance, beating the goaltender to extend the Warriors' lead to 2-0. Laurier responded later in the period with a chaotic scramble in front of the net, finally slipping one past Waterloo's defense to make it 2-1. Possession remained balanced as the period wound down, with Sarah Bestic (Waterloo, ON) driving Waterloo's offensive efforts and generating several close chances.

The third period opened with both teams aiming to control the game's outcome. The Golden Hawks pressed hard, testing the Warriors' defense, but Kara Mark (New Hamburg, ON) stood tall in net with a series of key saves to maintain the lead. A Warriors power play early in the period created some close calls but no conversions, while Lyndsy Acheson's (Summerland, BC) relentless speed forced Laurier to stay on their heels. Late in the period, with the Warriors killing another penalty, Nikki McDonald (Stoney Creek, ON) once again delivered a highlight reel moment, dancing through three defenders before burying a shorthanded goal to restore the two goal lead. Laurier pulled their goalie in a final effort and managed to cut the deficit to 3-2, but the Warriors answered immediately. Nikki McDonald (Stoney Creek, ON) sealed the game with an empty netter, securing a 4-2 victory and punching Waterloo's ticket to the next round.

With a complete team performance, the Warriors proved they were ready for the next challenge. Laurier fought hard, making for a thrilling series, but Waterloo's defensive discipline, timely scoring, and clutch goaltending carried them through. With momentum on their side, the Warriors now set their sights on their next playoff battle.