The women’s soccer team started their season last weekend with a Toronto double-header, winning 3-0 over the Ryerson Rams before dropping a 3-1 decision at the hands of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. First-year striker Jacqueline Tessier led the Gaels, notching a goal in both matches. Renee MacLellan and Mary Kampman also found the scoresheet against the Rams while goalkeeper Chantel Marson picked up the shutout.
Captain Kelli Chamberlain was pleased with the outcome of the weekend, because it was the first time the Gaels had played together.
“It was really good,” she said. “It was our first weekend as a team so we had to get used to playing with each other. I think we made some on-field adjustments over the weekend and in the future we’ll be good at connecting with each other and having team chemistry.”
Chamberlain said the loss to Toronto is better explained by the opponent’s style of play rather than a deficiency in Queen’s game.
“It was the team that changed, and their systems,” she said. “We had to completely change our system when we played Toronto because they play a different formation. We had to adjust to a system we had never played before. It took us a while to adjust to that, but once we did that’s when we got our first goal and started playing a lot better.”
To prepare for the season, the women participated in the Old Four Tournament which took place Aug. 29-30 and was hosted by the Western Mustangs. The Gaels picked up the silver medal, losing out to the McGill Martlets in the final.
“The Old Four tournament is always good just because it gives us some exhibition games before the regular season,” Chamberlain said. “It let’s us get to know where people will be playing and try people out in different positions.”
The Gaels sit in the middle of the OUA East standings with three points, but their improvement throughout the season will determine their final placement.
Chamberlain said she’s confident the team has the tools to contend with the provincial and national elite.
“We have quite a few goals but most importantly coming top two in the province and making it to nationals is definitely on our mind.
“I think we have a good year ahead of us.”
The Gaels will get their chance for revenge when they host the Varsity Blues on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Richardson Stadium.
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