The Waterloo Warriors scored twice in the second period, and that was all the offence they needed as they defeated the Niipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team 2-0 in game one of the best-of-three OUA semifinal in Waterloo Wednesday night.
Andrea Murray and Nikki McDonald had the second period tallies for the Warriors.
Lakers goaltender Chantelle Sandquist made 18 saves in the playoff loss.
The Lakers will look to stay alive on Friday, March 7, when the Warriors follow the Lakers up north for game two. Puck drop for that game is 7 p.m. at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.
See related: OUA Hockey: Lakers ready for tough test against Warriors
If the Lakers can even the series, game three will take place on Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. again at the Gardens.
The Lakers got to the semifinals after dispatching the Queen's Gaels in two straight games in the OUA quarterfinals.