The Nipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team got off on the right skate as they defeated the Queen's Gaels 5-2 in the opening game of their best-of-three series in Kingston on Wednesday afternoon.
After falling behind 1-0 after the first period, the Lakers rebounded scoring three times in the middle frame.
Gaels Mikayla Cranney opened the scoring.
Mallory Dominico netted the equalizer just over 90 seconds into the second period.
Jill Hennessy and Ashley Taciuk added to make it 3-1.
Gaels Melissa Parton scored in the final minute of the second to make it 3-2 after 40 minutes.
Madison Laberge scored an early power play goal in the third period and Dominico added an empty net goal at 17:55 to seal the win.
Lakers coach Darren Turcotte says the team had 10 days to rest and recover for this series and he felt his club would be ready to go.
"We need to do the little things that may hurt a little at the time, like blocking shots but it never hurts as much as being on the wrong end at the end of a series," said Turcotte.
The Lakers can wrap up the best-of-three series on home ice Friday, February 28 for game two. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.
Game three, if necessary, will take place on Saturday, March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Gardens.