TORONTO (September 5, 2009) - As planes from a nearby air show flew over Lamport Stadium, the Queen's Gaels captured it's season opener with a 3-0 win over the Ryerson Rams on Saturday afternoon.

Chantel Marson of London, Ont. secured the shutout to open the season for the Gaels with a 1-0 record.

Queen's took the momentum early with forwards Jacqueline Tessier of Oakville, Ont. and Renee MacLellan of Kingston, Ont., pressing in Ryerson's zone. The Rams weathered the early storm with strong defensive play and some nice saves by goalie Michelle Smiciklas of Oakville, Ont., including a stop on a Queen's breakaway.

In the 25th minute, Tessier got past the Ryerson defense again and made no mistake this time, finding the back of the net to give the Gaels a 1-0 lead.

The Rams seemed to wake up a little after the first Queen's goal and created a couple of scoring chances on the other side of the field, the best coming on a cross from Calaigh Copland of Peterborough, Ont. that sailed just high.

The second half saw Queen's once again take control of the pace. Smiciklas came up with a handful of solid saves to keep the game close until the 55th minute when McLellan found herself all alone with the ball in Ryerson's crease before burying it in the back of the net.

Queen's cemented the win in the 80th minute when Mary Kampman of Penticton, B.C., snuck behind the Rams defense and connected on a cross pass to give the Gaels a three-goal lead.

Tomorrow the Gaels challenge the Varsity Blues with kick-off set for 1:00pm at Varsity Stadium.

- With files from Ryerson Sports Information (Ben Fisher)