The Queen's Gaels secured their first win of the 2024-25 season in dramatic fashion, edging the Waterloo Warriors 4-3 in a thrilling shootout finish. After a tightly contested game, it was Alyson Reeves (Commerce) who sealed the victory with a decisive shootout goal.

Waterloo opened the scoring early, with Carly Orth finding the back of the net just four minutes into the game. The Gaels responded quickly, with forward Carys Collie (Life Sciences) netting their first goal of the season after a smooth feed from Aislin Tobin-Fretwell (Biochemistry) and Alysia Grotsky (Arts & Science). The momentum swung further in Queen's favor later in the first period when Kelsey Dunn (Kinesiology) put them ahead 2-1, assisted by Reeves.

The Warriors clawed back in the second period, capitalizing on a power play with Emma Thornton's goal. However, Queen's power play unit delivered their own answer minutes later. Logan Biggs (Kinesiology), assisted by defenseman Sophie Hudson (Chemical Engineering) and Dunn, gave the Gaels a 3-2 lead heading into the final frame.

Waterloo tied the game again in the third, as Sarah Bestic snuck one past Emma Tennant (Mechanical Engineering), who otherwise had a strong showing between the pipes. The game then spilled into overtime, where both teams had multiple power play opportunities, but neither could find the breakthrough.

In the shootout, Tennant stood tall, stopping two of three Waterloo attempts. Reeves' slick finish, followed by a clutch save by Tennant, brought the Gaels a much-needed win on their weekend road trip.

Queen's power play proved crucial, converting two of seven opportunities, though the Gaels will look to clean up their penalties, having given up six chances to Waterloo. The Gaels now sit 1-2 on the season, as they return home to face the Laurier Goldenhawks next weekend at the Memorial Centre. With emerging contributions from players like Dunn and Biggs, the Gaels appear poised to build momentum.