RECAP: Women’s hockey fills the net in weekend series with Montreal, McGill

Two commanding first periods were the difference for the Gee-Gees women's hockey team, who defeated the tenth-ranked Montreal Carabins and the McGill Martlets over the weekend.

Ottawa won 5-1 at CEPSUM in Montreal on Friday evening and defeated the Martlets 4-2 Sunday afternoon at the Minto Sports Complex. 

"We're focusing on one game at a time," said Gee-Gees head coach Chelsea Grills. "We had some takeaways from last weekend that we worked on throughout the week and we were able to apply them to the games this weekend. 

"The effort is definitely there, but there's always some details we can work on. It's also nice to see we're generating offence from up-and-down the lineup." 

Three first period goals gave Ottawa a lead they would not relinquish Friday evening. Jade Todd scored on the powerplay, followed closely by a goal of the season candidate from Alyssa Biesenthal. 

The second-year player from Georgetown, Ont., picked up the puck behind her own goal, walked the entire Carabins team and roofed a shot over the goaltender. Abygail Moloughney rounded out the first period scoring. 

Moloughney and Katherine Birkby added insurance markers for Ottawa, while Mahika Sarrazin stopped 27 of 28 shots she faced in her season debut.

The offence continued for the Gee-Gees Sunday against the Martlets. Béatrice Bilodeau and Reece Mepham both earned their first career goals, with Mepham scoring again early in the second period. 

"It feels pretty good, I didn't even see them go in," said the first year, whose mother made the trek from Ardrossan, Alta., for the matchup. "We're climbing and it feels like we're continuing to build up."

Sophie Gareau also earned her first goal of the season, while Aurélie Dubuc improved her record to 5-1-1 on the year.

Ottawa remains atop the RSEQ standings with a 6-1-1 record. The Gee-Gees have yet to appear in the U SPORTS National Rankings, although that is expected to change this week following results against two traditionally strong programs. 

The Gee-Gees hit the road next weekend for matchups at Carleton and Concordia on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.