MCKEOWN SCORES TWO GOALS IN WIN OVER ONTARIO TECH – University of Toronto Athletics

The No. 9 nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s hockey team defeated the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks 4-2 in Oshawa Ont., on Saturday (Nov. 16) night.
 
The Blues had a strong first period, out-shooting the Ridgebacks 12-6 in the frame. U of T were rewarded for their effort with a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes of play. After receiving a pass from second-year forward Taylor Delahey in front of the net, fourth-year forward Aili McKeown opened the scoring, firing a shot top shelf over Ridgebacks goaltender Ariella Merlino to give Toronto a one goal lead. McKeown and Delahey then connected on the second Toronto goal of the period. This time with McKeown finding Delahey in front of the net for Delahey’s fourth goal of the season.
 
The second period didn’t see any movement on the scoreboard but the Blues had high quality scoring chances as they looked for insurance. On the other end of the ice, first-year Blues goaltender Lyla McKinnon made key saves to keep the Toronto ahead by two at the end of the second period.
 
In the third period, Ontario Tech finally cut into the U of T lead with forward Julia Jackson scoring her first goal of the game. Despite the Ridgebacks goal, the Blues were able to maintain their effort and respond midway through the final frame as first-year forward Laralee Rizarri put the Blues up 3-1. The marker was the first career OUA goal for the Calgary, Alta., native.
 
30 seconds later the Blues scored again with McKeown burying a breakaway for her second goal of the game, extending the lead to 4-1 for the Blues. Ontario Tech’s Jackson added a second goal to her total, cutting into Toronto’s lead once again, but the Blues played a strong defensive game the rest of the way with McKinnon making 26 total saves in the road win over the Ridgebacks.
 
The Blues are back in action on Friday (Nov. 22) as they begin a four-game home-stand at Varsity Arena, beginning with the Western Mustangs. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available at varsityblues.ca/tickets. The game will also be live streamed on oua.tv.