The University of Windsor Lancers women's hockey team earned a convincing 5–2 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues on Friday night at home, building a commanding early lead and withstanding a late push to secure the win. Windsor exploded offensively in the opening frame and leaned on strong goaltending to close out the game. 

STATS 
Toronto finished with the edge in shots, outshooting Windsor 40–23, but Lancers goaltender Rebecca Noble was outstanding, stopping 38 shots to earn the win. Toronto netminder Jillian Matthews took the loss after allowing four goals in just over 10 minutes of action, while Carlee Vance provided relief and stopped all 14 shots she faced. Windsor's offense was led by Keana McKibbin, Teagan Pare, Phoebe Gao, Elissa Benjamin, and Amber Esterbrooks, each recording a goal. Pare added an assist for a two-point night. Toronto was paced by Christina Alexiou and Taylor Delahey, who scored the Blues goals, while Abby Whitworth contributed two assists. 

GAME FLOW 
Windsor wasted no time opening the scoring, as Keana McKibbin struck just nine seconds into the game off feeds from Lerissa Stevenson and Lizzie Bird. The Lancers continued to press, with Teagan Pare doubling the lead at 3:59 before Elissa Benjamin capitalized shorthanded to make it 3–0. Phoebe Gao capped off a dominant first period by finishing a play set up by Bryn Rutledge and Dejah Howes to give Windsor a four-goal cushion heading into the first intermission. 

The second period was scoreless, highlighted by strong defensive play from Windsor and several key saves from Noble as Toronto pushed to get back into the game. Toronto finally broke through in the third period, with a goal by Christina Alexiou and then another from Taylor Delahey to cut the deficit to 4–2. The Blues continued to pressure late, but Amber Esterbrooks sealed the win with an empty-net goal, finishing off a pass from Pare to secure the 5–2 final. 

UP NEXT 
The Lancers will look to carry their momentum into tomorrow night's game against the Laurier Golden Hawks. Puck drop on Saturday, January 24 is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex. Tickets are available online at golancers.ca/tickets, and the game can be streamed via oua.tv.