The University of Windsor Lancers women's hockey team dropped a tight 3–2 shootout decision to the Queen's Gaels on Saturday (Nov. 22) evening in their final home game of 2025 at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex.
STATS
Goaltender Rebecca Noble delivered a strong performance, turning aside 42 of 44 shots in regulation and overtime. Offensively, the Lancers were led by Keana McKibbin and Elissa Benjamin, who each scored once. Assists came from Rowan Hu, Lerissa Stevenson, and Staysha Hiebert.
GAME FLOW
The No. 6 nationally ranked Gaels struck first late in the opening period, breaking the deadlock when Jada Wood finished a setup from Sophie Hudson. Queen's doubled their lead just 1:15 later, as Taya Leonard converted a pass from Carys Collie to send Windsor into the first intermission trailing 2–0.
The Lancers regrouped in the second period, tightening their defensive structure and generating longer stretches of offensive zone pressure. Their persistence paid off when Keana McKibbin buried Windsor's first of the night, finishing a feed from Rowan Hu to cut the deficit to 2–1.
Riding their momentum into the third, the Lancers poured on their highest shot total of the game, eventually finding the equalizer. Elissa Benjamin cleaned up a loose puck in front, with Lerissa Stevenson and Staysha Hiebert assisting on the tying goal. Both teams traded chances down the stretch, but Noble and Tennant stood tall to send the game to overtime.
A fast-paced, back-and-forth extra frame solved nothing, pushing the contest to a shootout. Queen's scored twice while Windsor grabbed one back from McKibbin but could not complete the comeback this time as the Gaels claimed the 3–2 victory.
Despite the shootout loss, the Lancers showed resilience after a difficult first period, rallying to force extra time and earning a point in the standings.
UP NEXT
The Lancers are back on the ice next weekend as they face off against the Toronto Varsity Blues in Toronto, Ont. Puck drop on Friday, November 28 is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Varsity Arena, and the game can be streamed online at oua.tv.
