Ridgebacks punch quarterfinal ticket after gritty victory in North Bay
NORTH BAY, Ont. – The Ontario Tech women's hockey team is moving on to the quarterfinals of the OUA Playoffs after earning a 2–1 victory over the Nipissing Lakers in the play-in game on Friday morning.
After a scoreless opening period, Nipissing struck midway through the second to take a 1–0 lead. The Ridgebacks responded with sustained pressure late in the frame and were rewarded at 17:50, when Mackenna Krulicki finished off a strong push to even the score 1–1 heading into the intermission.
Ontario Tech carried that momentum into the third period and capitalized at 13:41. Emily Harrison found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner, giving the Ridgebacks their first lead of the contest.
Zoe McGee was sharp in goal, stopping 24 of 25 shots to secure the win. Ontario Tech controlled much of the play, outshooting Nipissing 36–25, including an 18-shot surge in the second period.
With the victory, the Ridgebacks advance to the quarterfinals of the OUA Playoffs against the Queen's Gaels. Game one is set for Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Kingston, Ont., before the series shifts back to Oshawa on Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m. at the Campus Ice Centre.
Fans can purchase tickets in advance at goridgebacks.com/tickets. Admission is free for Ontario Tech students and staff.
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