TORONTO - The Ryerson Rams women's soccer team got in the win column for the first time in 2016, registering a 2-1 victory over the visiting Nipissing Lakers on a gruelling hot day at Monarch Park Stadium.

BOXSCORE

After opening the season on Friday as the team's starting keeper, Brittney Clendenan (Ottawa, Ont.) was slotted into the forward position and she produced the game's first goal in the 35th minute. Clendenan's strike came moments after Katherine Sollbach (Burlington, Ont.) rang one off the crossbar.

Both teams had several chances throughout the contest but just before the whistle blew to end the first half, rookie Sierra Clancy (Waterloo, Ont.) showed some fancy foot work with a nifty turn in the box to make space for herself before poking the ball past the Lakers keeper. The Rams led 2-0 at the break.

The two goal cushion was unchartered territory for the Rams this season as Ryerson had failed to score in preseason or in their season opener.

"We have to be honest, we were getting a little worried not scoring any goals," said assistant coach Tina Cook following the game. "You always want to score goals in preseason and not having any wasn't a good start, but we're okay; we scored two today and showed we can do it."

The Lakers scored early in the second half as Selena Innamorati converted a penalty kick in the 53rd minute. The Rams were called for a foul in the box as defenders were forced to scramble to try and clear the ball off the goal line but couldn't do so legally.

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Nipissing continued to press throughout the second half in search of an equalizer but the Rams defence held their ground as Ryerson emerged with the victory.

Elisa Lapadula (Brampton, Ont.) earned her first win in the Rams uniform, stopping nine of ten shots sent her way.

The Rams (1-1-0) will return to action on Saturday, September 3rd when they host the UOIT Ridgebacks at 1:00 p.m. at Monarch Park.