LU women's hockey team opens pre-season with loss

With four to five regulars out of the lineup, the Laurentian Voyageurs women's hockey team struggled to muster much in the way of offence in their pre-season opener, dropping a 2-0 decision to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks Sept. 12 at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex.

Shaylyn Pavilsko and Nicole Lopresti scored for the visitors, who outshot the Voyageurs 34-13, but were stymied at most every turn by sophomore goaltender Laura Dellar.

Coming off a strong rookie season, Dellar showed no signs of slowing down, helping to keep the contest scoreless until into the second period of play. Cassie Charette and Tori Campbell shared the shutout for UOIT, with Laurentian staff still looking to make their final cuts to the roster.

The Laurentian ladies will be heading west from Sept. 26-28, taking part in the Third Annual National Female Hockey Challenge, hosted by the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns.

In addition to the host team and Laurentian, both St-Mary's University (Halifax) and Mount Royal University (Calgary) will be on hand for the weekend that also includes a showcase weekend tournament for the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League.

All 10 AMMFHL teams will be on hand, including the defending Esso Cup silver medal winning Edmonton Thunder.