Rams season heats up with pending Nipissing matchups

TORONTO - After emerging from their Toronto series with a 1-0 loss and an historic 2-1 win, the Rams women's soccer team hits the road this week to take on the Nipissing Lakers. However, the squad won't be without their fans long as Nipissing makes the return visit to Downsview on Sunday.

It would be difficult to pinpoint a player of the match last Saturday. Elisa Lapadula made eight vital saves while Skylar Sheehan-Alleyene and Christiana Daniel's goals lit up the home crowd. While some Rams were new to Downsview Park, others found themselves playing bigger roles. In particular, third year Kaleigh McKye controlled the ball well from the right side.

These experienced Rams may be the difference against Nipissing this week. The last time the Rams visited North Bay was for the 2019 OUA quarter-final, where they took a dramatic win on penalties.

While the stakes for this week's games won't be quite as high as that last meeting, the Rams' season is moving along steadily. After this series, the Rams will have just six regular season games remaining. Sunday's match at Downsview is also a bit of a rarity, as the Rams will only play two other home games this regular season. Suffice to say, each match-up is crucial to the Rams' postseason hopes.

This season, the Lakers have emerged as a formidable foe. Having already played three matches, Nipissising has outscored their opponents by a total of 15-0. All three wins have been blowout cleansheet victories against Laurentian and twice against Algoma, respectively. Lakers midfielder Ashley Mlinaric has led the way with five goals so far this season.

On Friday at 5:00 p.m. the Rams will hope to ride their momentum into North Bay and hand Nipissing their first loss. Fans can catch Friday's action live on OUA.tv. On Sunday, kickoff is set for 12 noon, with spectators allowed at Downsview Park. Health and safety protocols are in place.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Elisa Lapadula: GK; 5' 5"; 5

#19 Skylar Sheehan-Alleyene: F; 5' 2"; 2

#22 Kaleigh McKye: D; 5' 5"; 3

#10 Christiana Daniel: MF; 5' 6"; 4

Players Mentioned

#1 Elisa Lapadula
: 5' 5"; 5
: GK

#19 Skylar Sheehan-Alleyene
: 5' 2"; 2
: F

#22 Kaleigh McKye
: 5' 5"; 3
: D

#10 Christiana Daniel
: 5' 6"; 4
: MF