KINGSTON, Ont. (October 11, 2014) - The No.3 women's hockey team opened the 2014-15 season with a 5-2 victory over the Nipissing Lakers at the Memorial Centre on Saturday afternoon. 

It only took 27 seconds for the Gaels to open the scoring, as Taryn Pilon (Peterborough, Ont.) continued her strong offensive play from the preseason. 

The Lakers knotted the score halfway through the second on Samantha Strassburger's second powerplay goal of the season. Queen's regained the lead on a powerplay goal from Courtenay Jacklin (Regina) as the period drew to a close.

Both teams continued to struggle shorthanded, as the squads exchanged powerplay tallies early in the final frame. Pilon registered the eventual game-winner as she collected her second goal of the game. Queen's added an insurance marker one minute later as Clare McKellar (London, Ont.) found the back of the net. Kyla Crouse (Mount Brydges, Ont.) deposited an empty net goal in the final seconds, giving the Gaels the 5-2 victory.

Caitlyn Lahonen (Sharon, Ont.) started in net for Queen's, collecting 32 saves on the afternoon, while Sabrina Picard picked up the loss in goal for Nipissing with 24 saves.

The Gaels (1-0-0) return to action Sunday afternoon when they battle the Laurentian Voyageurs (0-2-0). Puck drop is set for 2:30pm at the Memorial Centre.