TORONTO — For the second consecutive season, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's soccer team has secured a spot in the OUA playoffs. 

The Bold clinched their postseason berth with a 3-2 win over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on home turf. Finishing the regular season with a 5-5-2 record, they placed sixth in the OUA East.  

After hosting the program's first-ever home OUA postseason game last year, against the U of T Varsity Blues, the Bold are determined to advance past the first round.

The Bold will head on the road to face the No. 10 nationally ranked Nipissing Lakers in the opening round of the OUA playoffs.  

Nipissing finished third in the OUA East with an impressive 8-2-2 record. The last time the two teams matched up, it ended in a draw, setting the stage for a tightly contested and high-stakes first-round matchup. 

With a fast-paced, high-pressure game ahead, the Bold will rely on their roster to deliver. TMU's success this season has been fueled in large part by their young core, who have stepped up under pressure.

"The team has shown a massive growth from our previous season in terms of team chemistry on and off the field," said Interim Head Coach John Yacou. "We've brought in a large number of rookies that have shown great personality and also our seniors this season have been great leaders. 

One key piece of this puzzle is first-year forward Taylor Fazzari. The rookie has made an immediate impact, playing in all 12 regular-season games and starting in 10. She leads the team in scoring with seven goals and a total of 14 points, logging 418 minutes on the pitch. 

Fazzari is known to not hold back against nationally ranked teams. On Sept. 19, she produced a four-point game where she scored twice to win over the nationally ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues. 

As she heads into her first OUA playoff game, Fazzari is confident in her ability to rise to the challenge, with the support of her teammates. 

"With the pressure of playoffs, I know I can deliver big moments for my team, as they have delivered big moments for me to be able to get goals that I have been achieving," said Fazzari.

Making a mark in her first year with the Bold, Telaijah Folkes has also stepped up. The rookie appeared in all 12 regular-season games, scoring four goals and four assists, for a dominant 12-point regular season.

Last year's TMSU Female Rookie of the Year, Natalie Moynihan, has additionally continued to be a reliable presence. The second-year appeared in all 12 regular season games, finishing with seven points and logging 410 minutes on the pitch. 

Serving as veteran leadership have been fourth-year forwards Taliyah Walker and Aalayah Lully. With a roster full of young talent, their experience and guidance will be crucial this postseason. 

Walker has delivered standout performances this season, recording nine points in nine games, while Lully appeared in all 12 matchups, contributing five points and logging 340 minutes on the pitch.

Beyond the Bold's established offensive core, they will look to their defensive unit to step up against Nipissing's strong attack. 

"We know Nippissing is a good team and can hurt anyone if they aren't careful defensively," said Yacou. 

Defender Vanessa Pianta has been instrumental in helping to support TMU's back end. The third year has started 10 matches this season, commanding the backline. 

"Their patience and unconditional support really continues to push me to be better, not only for myself as a player but for the better of the team," said Pianta on what has driven her strong defensive pursuits. 

She emphasized the importance of communication heading into Wednesday's game, understanding that all team members need to step up and fight.

"There is no doubt that Nipissing is going to be a tough game but the playoffs becomes a 'who wants it more' game," said Pianta.

Central to the Bold's defensive communication is starting goalkeeper Elisa Paolucci. A consistent presence in the crease, she appeared in 11 regular-season games and recorded more than 40 saves.

A vocal leader on the field, Paolucci agreed with the importance of communication and has embraced it as a part of her game.

"I think that's been one of my biggest strengths this season. My voice is a constant for my back line and it gives them confidence, direction, and that reminder that they've got someone behind them who believes in them and will always push them," said Paolucci. 

Seeing the game from a different angle, Paolucci helps to guide and support the team in real time, implementing the communication that Yacou emphasizes.

With this being her second OUA playoff campaign, Paolucci is ready to give it her all.

"I'm honestly just proud and grateful to be part of a culture where everyone genuinely buys in and pushes each other every day. To see all of our hard work and the growth come together for another playoff run, it's something special. I'm excited and eager for the opportunity to help lead this group and keep building on what we've started." 

Determined and ready to make a statement, the Bold appear prepared to rise to the occasion as they embark on the biggest stage of their season. 

"The teams mentality has been very good, calm and ready," said Yacou. They've done everything that's needed to be done during the season and the playoffs as we all know can be special, the ball can roll in anyone's favour so we are hoping a little luck is on our side going into this game. 

TMU's first-round matchup against Nipissing is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the RJS Education Centre Field in North Bay, Ont. 

Fans can support the Bold in their playoff pursuit by catching all the action on OUA.tv.