North Bay, Ont. — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's hockey team hit the ice in North Bay for a tightly contested match-up against the Nipissing Lakers. They skated away with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

The Bold entered the game narrowly trailing Nipissing in the OUA East standings, sitting in sixth place, hoping to overtake the Lakers who were in seventh. The last time these two teams met was in the preseason, when TMU defeated Nipissing, 3-1.  

Entering the first frame, Nipissing got on the board immediately, with Jill Hennessy scoring in the opening minute. It wasn't long before TMU captain Cailey Davis replied with a goal a minute later, with her shot rolling off the stick of Lakers goaltender Alexandra Lehmann and into the net. 

This early scoring action set an intense tone, with both teams fighting to gain control. First-year defender Maddy Collins made an impact, diving to get the puck away from the Lakers. 

TMU had two power play opportunities but couldn't generate in either, with the Lakers clearing the puck out of their end in the penalty kill. The first period concluded even, 1-1.

The second period started with Nipissing generating several quality shot attempts, but TMU goaltender Sydney Pyburn held steady, making several saves.

A penalty committed by TMU's Nahvin Bal gave the Lakers a power play, but the Bold defence held strong. 

Following the penalty kill, the Bold continuously found themselves in shooting position. Jayden Fox fired off a nice shot, while Alizee LeBlanc and Ahalya Julien-Medeiros additionally contributed to the attack with promising looks. 

In the final minutes of play in the second period, Eden Dusome scored off a rebound to secure the lead for the Bold and take them into the second intermission up 2-1. 

TMU opened the third with another power play opportunity but couldn't convert. Forward Neely Van Volsen generated multiple quality shots in search of an insurance goal, but none crossed the goal line. 

In the final minute of regulation, the Bold committed a penalty. The Lakers had an empty net, giving them a six-on-four advantage. Despite the late pressure, TMU's defensive efforts allowed them to secure their victory, closing the game, 2-1.
 
The Bold will have a quick rest before they host the Western University Mustangs on Sunday, Nov. 16. Puck drop on Mattamy Home Ice is set for 2:15 p.m. TMU students get in free with their OneCard.