TORONTO — The Ryerson Rams saw improved results this weekend against the Toronto Varsity Blues, playing to a 1-1 draw on Saturday afternoon at Downsview Park.

The draw against Toronto sees the Rams improve to a 4-3-1 record on the year. 

Ryerson goalkeeper Elisa Lapadula (Brampton, Ont.) made a strong impression early in the game, making two successful challenges in the first half to keep the game scoreless. 

A scramble in front of the net resulting from an indirect free kick saw Toronto's Anna Crone (North Vancouver, B.C.) tally the first goal of the game in the 43rd minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead late in the half.  

The Varsity Blues wouldn't hold their lead for very long. A late tackle called for a penalty shot for Ryerson's Brooke Pearson (Pickering, Ont.), and a no-mistake low corner shot tied the game at 1 in the 45th minute of the match. The teams headed to the dressing room tied at 1 after a scrappy first half. 

Rams defender Kiera Kent (Etobicoke, Ont.) says she was happy with how her team fought for the ball in the first half and throughout the rest of the game.

"Our defenders were on their game today," says Kent. "Last game, we weren't switched on. This time around we came out hungry and ready to play."

The rough play continued into the second half of the match, but teams remained deadlocked through the following 45 minutes. Ryerson made a strong push in the 80th minute, challenging Toronto keeper Levanta Staggolis (Toronto, Ont.) and coming close to a goal on two occasions.

Nevertheless, a scrappy and scoreless second half saw the Rams and Varsity Blues play to a 1-1 draw on their final meeting of the season. Lapadula made nine saves in the game.

Ryerson head coach Natalie Bukovec says she's disappointed that the didn't end in a win but thought the Rams were the stronger team throughout the match.

"It's always hard to play against a team that defends very well," says Bukovec. "Our expectation was to walk away with the three points because I believe we're the better team, but things didn't pan out this time and we'll be ready for next week.

Ryerson will prepare to hit the road next weekend as they head up north to take on the Nipissing Lakers and the Laurentian Voyageurs.