It was Halloween Day five years ago when the Warriors last won an OUA medal, beating the York Lions by a score of 1-0. Fast forward almost five years and the Warriors field hockey program has another OUA medal to add to their collection, beating the same opponent by the exact same score. Waterloo earned the 1-0 shutout win over the two-time defending champions, York, on Varsity Field in Guelph.
Miranda Hunter (Mississauga/) scored on a penalty corner in the third quarter along with the Warriors defence and strong goalkeeping, from Marley Dowling (Waterloo/), got the Warriors to the finish line to capture OUA bronze.
The Warriors had their chances early in the contest with Taylor Goodhue (St. Thomas/) having opportunities to put the Warriors up but could not solve the Lions keeper, Alycia Gray.
After a scoreless first half, Waterloo kept the pressure on early in the third quarter and were rewarded off a beautifully set up penalty corner. Miranda Hunter (Mississauga/) fired her shot on target and it was deflected into the top corner.
York had a penalty corner with 1:45 minute remaining in the game but they were unable to get the shot off and Hunter's goal would hold up as the winner and the Warriors ran towards Dowling's net in celebration following the final whistle.
"It has been a work in progress for probably 4 or 5 years now, and this game was all about putting it together into one performance. Everyone left it out on the field for each other and it feels very satisfying to take down York" said Assistant Coach Steph Snyder.
