The Lancer women's hockey team started 2016 with a 5-3 win over the UOIT Ridgebacks on Saturday afternoon at South Windsor Arena.
 
With the win, the Lancers are 3-8-1 on the season while the Ridgebacks fall to the same record of 3-8-1.
 
The Lancers struck early and often in the first period. They opened the scoring at 1:49 on the power play with a goal by Natalie Barrette, with assists being credited to Rachel Chantler and Jillian Rops. The Lancers then extended their lead 30 seconds later when Shawna Lesperance and Erinn Noseworthy set up Krystin Lawrence for her sixth goal of the season.
 
Trio struck again seven minutes later when Lesperance and Noseworthy once again set up Lawrence, giving the hosts a three goal lead midway through the period.
 
The Ridgebacks got one back at 11:14 on a gaol by Nicole Gorda to close out the scoring for the period.
 
The Lancers started the second period just like they started the first, scoring 24 seconds into the frame with Lesperance earning her third point of the game and seventh goal of the season. Just over a minute later the Lancers extended their lead to 5-1 on a goal by Davis Smith. Assists were credited to Taylor Sheppard and Lawrence.
 
The Ridgebacks mounted a comeback in the back half of the third period with a pair of goals from Kasside Nauboris and Teresa Horner but it was not enough to overcome the Lancers early offensive power.
 
The Lancers will now host the Ryerson Rams on Friday January 15th at South Windsor Arena. Puck drops at 7:30pm and can be seen live on www.oua.tv.