TORONTO (January 16, 2015) - The Queen's Gaels (8-1-3-2) travelled to Toronto to take on the York Lions (2-4-6-2) for their first game of the 2016 calendar year. The Gaels came into the game fourth overall in the OUA with 27 points.

At the unofficial halfway point of the season, the Gaels have multiple players atop the OUA stats boards. Goaltender Caitlyn Lahonen (Saskatoon, Sask.) leads the league in save percentage, and is second in saves and goals against average. Meanwhile, Katrina Manoukarakis (Scarborough, Ont.) leads the league in powerplay goals, and leads the Queen's in points with 13.

Game Flow
In just their second game of the season, Queen's hosted York at the Memorial Centre, and it was the Gaels who came away with a close 2-1 victory. Saturday's game began in a similar way, as each team had a tough time beating the other's goaltender. The Gaels had the majority of the scoring chances as they fired 12 on net, while the Lions were able to get five through on Lahonen. York also needed to kill off two penalties in the opening frame, which gave Queen's momentum early.

Just under seven minutes into the second period the Lions broke the deadlock. Rianna Langford beat Lahonen on a rebound to give the home team a one goal lead. Queen's was still unable to solve the Lions goaltender, as Megan Lee stopped all nine Gaels shots.

The third period was where the offense opened up and Queen's got on the board. Clare McKellar (London, Ont.) took advantage of her penalty shot opportunity, scoring her third goal of the year to tie the game late at one. Putting 13 shots on goal in the third, Queen's was able to force overtime.

1:58 into the extra frame, York was able to solve Lahonen and snipe home the winning goal. Tegan Duncan scored her second of the season to give the home team the upset win.

By the Numbers
34 - Shots on net by the Gaels in the game
28 - Points on the season for Queen's, who remain fourth in the OUA
1 - McKellar converts on the Gaels first penalty shot chance of the season

Up Next
The Women will be at home for an extended four-game homestand starting next Friday at 7:30pm. Waterloo and Laurier with both be in town next weekend at the Memorial Centre.