OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks were defeated by the Queen’s University Gaels for the second time this season on Friday afternoon.
Forward Leda Naihin led Queen’s University (4-0-0) to victory, setting the tone early by scoring within the first four minutes of the game. She would go on to assist the Gaels’ second goal, scored by Seema Sakran, only seven minutes later.
Her success did not stop there as she went on to score once more in the 33rd minute, which was assisted by Lily Goss.
Goalkeeper Alicia Chisholm made five saves for the Ridgebacks (3-2-0) who forfeited their three-game win streak.
While both the Gaels and the Ridgebacks entered Friday’s match at Vaso’s Field with a three-game win streak, only the Gaels would depart with another victory under their belt.
With three points in the game, freshman starter Leda Naihin is fourth in scoring, fifth in assists and second in points league wide.
Leda Naihin and Goss appear to be a dynamic duo when competing against the Ridgebacks. On Sept. 3, the two also recorded points, both having scored one goal apiece. Goss also recorded an assist.
Meanwhile, the Ridgebacks have lost only two games so far this season – both to the Golden Gaels. The team remained scoreless in both matches, marking the only two games the Ridgebacks have failed to produce at least one goal .
The Ridgebacks have proven their scoring capabilities: they won their most recent outing against the Royal Military College Paladins 12-0 on Sept. 10 and have scored at least three goals against every other team they have confronted thus far.
It seems as though these scoring opportunities all but disappear against the Gaels, as the squad recorded only three shots in the ninety minute battle.
Queen’s goalkeeper Kirstin Tynan faced one shot on net, which was produced by midfielder Tara Sisic in the 80th minute. Christina Coroado recorded the other two shot attempts.
This trend does not belong to this season alone: the Ridgebacks have lost their last six matches against the Gaels. Within those games, Ontario Tech has been immensely outscored, with a combined total of three goals in comparison to Queens’ 26.
The Gaels will look to improve to 5-0-0 as they take on the Trent Excalibur in Peterborough on Sunday. The Ridgebacks will attempt to begin another winning streak against the Nipissing Lakers on Sept. 23.
Queen’s Gaels midfielder Kendra Couto (7) defends the ball against Ontario Tech Ridgebacks forward Aliya Sweeney (16) in Friday afternoon action. (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer) 
Queen’s Gaels defender Sophie Miranda (10) attempts to clear the ball from Ontario Tech Ridgebacks defender Mya Parr (27) in the first half. (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer). 
Queen’s Gaels defender Sophie Miranda attempts to make a move against Ontario Tech Ridgeback forward Samantha Russell (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer) 
Ontario Tech Ridgebacks goalkeeper Alicia Chisholm makes a save as the Queen’s Gaels storm the zone. (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer). 
Vita Naihin (18), Erin Hedgcock (19), Kendra Couto (7) and Tatiana Kayrouz (20) converse following the final whistle and a successful 3-0 victory. (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer) 
Ontario Tech Ridgebacks defender Mackenzie Scott begins a rush up the field. (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer) 
The Queen’s Gaels celebrate a goal by Seema Sakran while the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks and their fans silently observe. (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer) 
The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks complete a throw-in as they trail 3-0 in the first half. (Shaelyn Winters/Toronto Observer)