Banner Season: Ottawa powers past Queen’s for second consecutive OUA title
Ottawa, Ont. (via Ottawa Gee-Gees) – The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees secured their 11th OUA women’s soccer championship title on Saturday at Matt Anthony Field, defeating their East division rivals from Queen’s by a final tally of 5-1.
With the win, the Gee-Gees earn their second consecutive OUA title and extend their lead atop the all-time championship tally in the conference.
In what is usually a defensive battle, Ottawa showcased their offensive prowess earning a dominant result on home turf.
2023 First Team All-Star midfielder Nibo Dlamini opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a trick free kick that was passed short by Cassandra Provost and hammered past the Gaels keeper to give the Gee-Gees the lead.
Up 1-0 at the half, Ottawa wasted no time getting back on the attack in the second frame, with Jenna Matsukubo blasting home a strike against her former team in the 51st minute. ‘’
The hosts would add to their margin 10 minutes later, when Élianne Gervais scored following a scramble in the Gaels’ box. Queen’s would get on the board quickly after, when Ottawa native Seema Sakran buried a blast from distance in the 63rd minute.
Dlamini and Matsukubo would both complete their respective braces to round out the scoring and officially clinch the championship for the Garnet and Grey.
“I’m really pleased with today’s performance,” said Ottawa head coach Steve Johnson. “This team has progressed so far since we started in August, and I’m pleased to get a hometown win in front of a fantastic crowd.”
With a capacity crowd on-hand to see the two rivals do battle, the Gee-Gees fed off the energy to take care of business against a worthy foe.
“This was a huge win, especially for our confidence going into Nationals next week,” said Matsukubo. “The fans were amazing today, it felt like they didn’t stop cheering the whole game. They really lifted us up, it was awesome.”
Both Ottawa and Queen’s are advancing to the U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship, hosted by the Gaels in Kingston. The victor of a Western and McMaster bronze medal matchup on Saturday night in London will determine the third OUA team to attend the championship.
