Lancers hold off Ridgebacks for win at home

The University of Windsor Lancers women's hockey team earned a hard-fought 4–3 victory over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Friday (Jan. 9) night at home, holding off a late push to secure the win. Windsor delivered a strong offensive performance and built momentum across all three periods, with balanced scoring and steady goaltending proving to be the difference. 

STATS 
Windsor controlled the puck possession, outshooting Ontario Tech 38–26. Goaltender Ella Willoughby turned aside 23 shots to earn the win, while Ontario Tech's Zoe McGee made 34 saves in the loss. Offensively, Bridget Cameron led the Lancers with two goals, while Keana McKibbin and Teagan Paré added single markers. Cameron opened the scoring and added an insurance goal in the second period. Ontario Tech was paced by Jordanna Connors, who scored twice, and Amy Hermer, who added the Ridgebacks other goal. Windsor went 0-for-2 on the power play, while the disciplined play of the Lancers kept Ontario Tech from having a power-play opportunity. 

GAME FLOW 
Windsor opened the scoring early in the first period when Bridget Cameron found the back of the net just over four minutes in. Ontario Tech answered late in the frame with an unassisted goal from Jordanna Connors, sending the game into the first intermission tied 1–1. The Lancers took control in the second period, scoring twice in under two minutes. Cameron struck again to restore the lead before Keana McKibbin extended it to 3–1.

Ontario Tech responded in the final seconds of the period with a goal from Amy Hermer to keep the game close heading into the third. In the final frame, Teagan Paré added an important insurance goal for Windsor midway through the period. The Ridgebacks pushed back once more, with Connors scoring her second of the night, but Windsor held firm defensively to close out the 4–3 win. 

UP NEXT 
The Lancers will look to build on Friday night's performance as they continue their homestand tomorrow (Jan. 10) night against the TMU Bold, aiming to carry their momentum and stay in the win column. Puck drop at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at golancers.ca/tickets, and the game can be streamed via oua.tv.