TORONTO - As the Rams women's soccer team honoured a collection of seniors on the frigid field at Downsview Park, there was a palpable air of seriousness surrounding their impending battle against the McMaster Marauders. Though they fought hard and kept McMaster's offensive output to a minimum, they weren't able to break the scoreless tie and left the pitch with the scoreboard reading 0-0. 

In the 17th minute, the Rams had their first significant scoring chance when defender Emily Porteous fed Shea Jeffery-Novak downfield, who fired a shot that was narrowly turned aside by Marauders keeper Jayashree Pathak. Before the end of the half, the Rams managed a few shots on goal—including a shot from Skylar Sheehan-Alleyene that was batted away at the goal line by McMaster's Bryanna Caldwell—but weren't able to break through. Sheehan-Alleyene, in particular, played with tremendous confidence and agility, something her coach noticed immediately.  

"Skylar's such an improved player, I think in the last couple of years," Rams head coach Natalie Bukovec said of her second-year forward. "It'll definitely come through for her."

The second half was much of the same, with both teams trading chances up until the very end but neither having anything to show for it in the way of goals. As the final whistle sounded, the Rams secured the draw against their OUA Central division rivals.

Longtime Rams keeper Elisa Lapadula, one of the many seniors honoured before the game, was proud of her team's grit and effort, even if it didn't ultimately result in a win.

"I'm very proud to be playing with this group of girls and seeing how much they love and care for this sport and this team," Lapadula remarked. "They wear that 'R' with so much pride and that's all anyone can ever ask for."

"The situation wasn't perfect, and we can never rely on anyone but ourselves," Lapadula noted, referencing the windy and cold conditions that plagued both teams on the pitch.

Added Bukovec of what her team needs to do to come out on top in their next match: "We have to be clinical in the final third... It just comes down to that gritty mindset."

In their final match of the regular season, the Rams will head to Hamilton to face the Marauders on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. With 13 points this season, a victory—combined with losses from York, Toronto, and Laurier—is key to keeping their playoff hopes alive.