UOIT women’s soccer wins first OUA championship in school history

LONDON, Ont. – For the first time ever – UOIT has won an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championship.

The women's soccer program defeated the Queen's Gaels 1-0 on Sunday at Mustangs Field in London to claim both the program and school's first OUA banner.

"It's a pretty indescribable feeling to be honest – I'm extremely proud of the girls and the way they played over the weekend and throughout the season," said UOIT athletic director Scott Barker. "The first OUA banner and championship in UOIT history and I can't think of a more deserving team than the women's soccer program for what they've done over the last five years." 

In the 22^nd minute OUA all-star Taijah Henderson (Ajax, Ont.) scored the lone goal of the match, outmuscling the Queen's defender to earn a breakaway and tuck the ball in the bottom left corner of the net under Madison Tyrell (White Rock, B.C.).

The Ridgeback defence was strong throughout the game, but the defending champion Queen's Gaels did string together numerous second half opportunities – including a shot off the crossbar late in the match. 

Tyrell finished the game with four saves, while UOIT keeper and OUA all-star Helen Frampton (Toronto, Ont.) made two stops in the match.

"I – I was just emotional, obviously some tears and I wanted to go congratulate the other coach for what they've done, but I knew I had to come back and celebrate with the girls and enjoy it with the girls," said UOIT head coach Peyvand Mossavat. "The last five years building the program hasn't been easy, but you feel like everything you've done, it some how summed up to this." 

The Ridgebacks best finish in their program's five-year history prior to Sunday was a bronze medal at the 2014 championship in Hamilton.

"It's surreal – I kind of had to pinch myself a couple times, but it's probably the best feeling I've ever had," said fifth-year defender Jamie Ryan (Ottawa, Ont.). 

After the game UOIT captain Kylie Bordeleau (Cambridge, Ont.) was named the Porter Airlines player of the game.

"I can't (describe it), I don't think that I've taken it in, but I can't put it into words," said Bordeleau. "It feels overwhelming and amazing and I'm overwhelmed with pride for my team."

Both teams now advance to the U Sports (CIS) women's soccer championship at Acadia University from Nov. 10-13.