ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's hockey team lost 3-0 to the Brock Badgers on Saturday.

Down 2-0 early in the game, Bold Head Coach Lisa Haley called a timeout to settle her team down. Less than 24 hours ago, TMU had played one of its most impressive games of the season against a nationally ranked opponent. With the playoffs still within reach, the Bold couldn't afford to dig themselves any deeper into a hole. 

TMU responded with a pair of quality scoring chances. Rookie Ava Assinewai maneuvered her way out of Brock's corner and threatened goalie Megan Thiessen's blocker side. But Assinewai's backhand attempt was steered away. 

Moments later, Neely Van Volsen fought for possession behind Brock's net before centring a pass in front of the crease. Unfortunately for the Bold, no one was there to capitalize. 

When Brock's Sydney Hood was called for a cross-checking penalty with 2:28 left in the period, it opened the door for TMU to find its offensive rhythm. While the Bold have struggled with a player advantage this season, all four of their power-play goals have come on the road, setting the stage for a potential game-changing moment.

Second-year defender Kalysta Song fired two decent shots from the blue line but a Badgers defender blocked both attempts. TMU's best opportunity during the power-play came when Maddy Collins snuck a cross-ice pass through multiple defenders, but teammate Riley Del Monte's chip-in just missed short side. 

After getting out-shot by Brock in the first period 11-2, TMU generated the first four shots of the second frame. Rookie Abby Fletcher masterfully set up teammate Assinewai, but the point-blank attempt was stopped. 

Late in the period, a tripping call put the Bold back on the power-play. On the ensuing shift, Gaby Gareau's nifty pass found Ahalya Julien-Medeiros, but the Bold's assistant captain was blocked by a Badger defender. 

The Bold would get another power-play late in the third period. Julien-Medeiros' slap shot deflected off a stick and ricocheted off Thiessen's face mask. Shortly after, a rebound resulted in a chaotic scramble in front of the crease. Del Monte happened to be in the right spot, but despite multiple attempts, couldn't get the puck lifted over the goalie's right pad.  

Brock would later score a third goal to put the game out of reach. The Badgers improved to 8-0-1 when they score the first goal. It was Thiessen's third career OUA shutout. 

TMU remains in the race for the final playoff spot in the East and will next take the ice against the Windsor Lancers on Jan. 30. The puck drops at 6:15 p.m. on OUA.tv.