The Queen's Gaels defeated the Laurentian Voyageurs 5-0 in their home opener on Friday afternoon at Richardson Stadium. It was an exciting opening evening, as five Gaels scored their first goals of the season and the team put up 17 shots on goal. 

The Gaels came into their first game of the season with composure and determination. Just over five minutes into the first half, fourth year defender Erin Hedgcock (Commerce) scored the home team's first goal, with the assist from Tatiana Kayrouz (Commerce). The Gaels' second goal came from Mattson Strickler (Concurrent Education) in the 25th minute, with the assist from Peyton Wynn (Arts (Health Studies)). The home team's offense kept rolling, with midfielder Seema Sakran (Kinesiology) picking up their third goal in the 35th minute. The Gaels' defense proved effective throughout the first half, allowing no shots on third year goalie Ashley Strand (Biochemistry).  

Both teams settled into the game during the second half, which was scoreless until the 83rd minute of the game. Fourth year Kendra Couto (Mechanical Engineering) scored the fourth goal for Queen's, with Kayrouz making their second assist of the match. As first year Victoria Hawkins (Kinesiology) scored their first OUA career goal in the 84th minute of the game, the Queen's bench responded with excitement. The Gaels kept up the offensive pressure with 17 shots on goal over 90 minutes, while Laurentian struggled to generate chances.  

The Gaels will look forward to playing on the road against the RMC Paladins on Sunday, August 31st at 7pm.