The Concordia Stingers enjoyed a strong three-day run at their own 39th annual Theresa Humes Women's Hockey Tournament despite losing a hard-fought battle 3-1 to the No. 1-ranked McGill Martlets in the championship game on Sunday.
The Stingers entered the weekend unranked in Canadian University Sport and with a 2-11 win-loss record. They finished ahead of four top 10 teams and with two wins and a loss.
"It was a good team builder for us," said Stinger head coach Les Lawton. "They played hard. I'm pleased."
Concordia defeated the St. Thomas Tommies 4-1 in the first game on Friday night.
The following afternoon in the tournament semifinals, the Stingers blanked the No. 4-ranked Toronto Varsity Blues 1-0. Defender Victoria Johnstone scored the lone goal with 3:18 left in the game. Goaltender Meggy Hatin-Léveillée was outstanding turning away 38 shots.
"Meggy was great." Lawton said. "She is developing well as a goalie. She is technically strong and mentally stronger."
The big win gave Concordia a berth in the championship game versus McGill Sunday afternoon. The Stingers pulled in front 1-0 on a power-play goal from rookie defender Catherine Desjardins at 7:45 of the first period. But an 80-second breakdown in the second period cost the team. McGill scored three quick goals – two from Vanessa Davidson and one from Katie Elzinga. The 3-1 score stood until the end.
The No. 10-ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees defeated No. 4 Toronto 2-1 to finish in third place. Other scores: fifth-place game - No. 6 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 4, Carleton Ravens 1; seventh-place game - No. 5 Queen's Golden Gaels 5, St. Thomas 2.
