CIS women's soccer roundup: Lady Vees assert dominance early in win over Lakers

Source: Laurentian Sports Info

SUDBURY, Ont. – The Laurentian Lady Vees soccer team opened up their 2012 campaign this evening at James Jerome Field against their northern rivals, the Nipissing Lakers. Almost right from the openings whistle the Vees had established their dominance. You would never have known the Lady Vees continue to battle many injuries to key players with the effort put forth tonight. Tallying two goals in the first 9 minutes of play helped the Lady Vees jump out to a lead they would not relinquish, cruising to a 3-2 win over Nipissing.
 
The Lady Vees looked to start off their season with 3 points over their northern rivals and did just that. Letting the Lakers know early they were in for a long game, Newmarket native Lisa Watson buried a header off a corner kick as she snuck behind the defense, unmarked at the back post. Shortly thereafter it would be second year forward Celine Valiquette (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) breaking the back of the Nipissing back line, phasing the keeper to put the Vees up by two just nine minutes in. Continuing to control the play the Lady Vees continued to generate opportunities, and in the 37th minute, Watson would score her second of the half. With Laurentian going into half up by three, it looked as if the game was already over.

Although the first half was all Lady Vees, the Lakers would make some adjustments to counter what was an awful half of soccer. Correcting these errors did not result in goals initially but Nipissing began to string some passes together and penetrate the Laurentian backline. In the 70th their efforts finally paid off. Natasha Struthers (Sharbot Lake, ON) broke free putting one by the Laurentian keeper, getting the Lakers back into the game. Continuing to press, down by two, the Lakers continued to generate scoring chances, and in the 89th minute off of a poor decision by the Laurentian keeper, Nipissing forward Valaine Confesor (Toronto, ON) put away a gift to narrow the lead to just one. As close as Nipissing got, they were never really in the game, scoring late, resulting in a Laurentian victory 3-2.

The Lady Vees earn a much deserved home victory and will take on the Trent Excalibur Saturday, back at Laurentian at 12pm.  Continue to follow www.luvoyageurs.com to keep up to date with your Voyageurs and Lady Vees.

Laurentian University's Department of Athletics is home to 15 varsity sports teams. The Voyageurs and Lady Vees decorated history of pride and tradition includes 61 provincial championships as well as 9 national championships in 50 years of competition.