Queen's Women's Hockey delivered when it mattered most, securing a statement 3-1 win over the TMU Bold in their OUA Play-In game on Friday night at the Memorial Centre. 

The Bold wasted no time getting on the board, converting on the power play at 6:41 of the opening period, as Ahalya Julien-Medeiros found the back of the net to give TMU an early 1-0 lead. Queen's responded with pressure, dictating the pace and hemming TMU in their zone.

Their persistence paid off at 15:36, when Kelsey Dunn capitalized on a well-executed passing play, firing home the equalizer to send the game into the first intermission tied at one apiece.

The Gaels carried their momentum into the second period and wasted no time seizing control. Just 2:37 into the frame, Rebecca Thompson lit the lamp, finishing off a strong offensive sequence to put Queen's ahead 2-1. With a one-goal cushion heading into the third, Thompson struck again—this time on the power play—burying a shot off a setup from Sarah Campbell to give Queen's a 3-1 edge.

The energy in the Memorial Centre was electric, with Queen's Men's Hockey team in the stands cheering on the Gaels, something Head Coach Morgan McHaffie says has been a special part of the season.

The support extended beyond Queen's, with young female hockey players from Kingston Ice Wolves Hockey in attendance. 

"Our players take a lot of pride in being role models for young female hockey players," McHaffie added. "It's about more than just what happens on the ice—we want to inspire the next generation. It was amazing to see them cheering us on, and we're excited to keep building those connections in the community."

TMU struggled to generate offence in the final frame, managing just four shots on goal, while Tennant stood tall between the pipes, turning aside 24 of 25 shots to seal the victory.

McHaffie was proud of how her team closed out the game, emphasizing their growth in maintaining consistency. "We eliminated a lot of chances and didn't give up much in the third," she said. "That's something we've talked about all year—playing a full 60 minutes. Playoff hockey comes with highs and lows, but it's about how you respond. We found our groove and finished strong."

With the win, Queen's moves on to face the Nipissing Lakers in the OUA Quarter Finals. The Gaels will be back on home ice Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Memorial Centre, with a 2:30 pm puck drop.