Gee-Gees finish off season against Marlets
Photo credit: Remi Yuan
The McGill Martlets took down the Gee-Gees for the second time in a row to end Ottawa’s season during the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) semifinals.
The Martlets’ top scorers had an early lead after four goals in the first period. In the opening minutes of the game, McGill’s fifth-year forward Leslie Oles scored twice with assists from third-year centre and Olympian Melodie Daoust.
Gees goalie Maude Lévesque-Ryan was persistent with 31 saves, but McGill’s offence stayed strong. The Gee-Gees also racked up 26 penalty minutes putting them at a disadvantage throughout the game. Third-year forward Carol-Ann Upshall, one of the Gee-Gees’ top scorers, was given a game misconduct for checking from behind in the third.
“I think discipline is what gave them the momentum,” said second-year forward Vickie Lemire. “We started the first period with a lot of penalties and they capitalized on their power play. McGill is a high-skill and quick team, and their fast transition is what gave us trouble.”
Though Ottawa didn’t come out on top, the Gees gave the Martlets a good run during the two-game series. “They have an outstanding team,” said head coach Yanick Evola.
“Our compete-level was not there enough in the first period, but I think we gave them a good series and we need to be proud.” “I’m proud of this group. With 10 rookies in the lineup, we will have a similar team next year and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he added.
This season, the RSEQ number four Gee-Gees showed a lot of character. Earlier, they defeated the nationally ranked number two Montreal Carabins twice, and the team improved their consistency as the season moved forward.
However, the team will be graduating strong forwards Asha Kauffeldt, Janie Paquette, and goalie Stephanie Mercier. The RSEQ final will take place on March 5 between the McGill Marlets and the Montreal Carabins.
