The Brock Badgers edged the Windsor Lancers 3-2 to open the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) women's hockey season with a victory.

The Badgers received stellar performances from their first-year players throughout the lineup.

"I'm proud of the way they have stepped up and have contributed to our team," said head coach Margot Page. "They buy-in, and that is a huge factor to our team chemistry. But, of course, it's always good when you win the first game of the season."

First-year forward Madison Cronkwright scored the game-winning goal, and first-year goaltender Aline Hironaka made 31 saves to win her first OUA career start.

"I couldn't be happier with my first OUA start. I was lucky enough to be supported by my amazing teammates and coaching staff," Hironaka said.

Emma Irwin opened the scoring at 14:14 of the first period before assisting on Cassidy Maplethorpe's power-play marker two minutes later.

The Lancers got on the board midway through the second and tallied one more in the third.

Cronkwright's winner came at 15:37 of the power-play following a lightning-fast break out of their zone, with defender Rebekah Feld picking up the assist.

"Everyone was moving well, giving our defence options and allowing for the 2v1 to happen with Feld and me," said Cronkwright, who also recorded an assist. "Feld made a great pass back cross-crease, and I was just lucky enough to be there. Huge team play."

Paige Cohoon also registered an assist.

Next, the Badgers (1-0) will play the Lancers (0-1) again on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. The game will be live streamed on OUA.tv.

"It was a gritty team win to start the season, showed a lot of character in the group that we have," added Cronkwright. "It feels awesome to get 3 points right off the bat. We're ready to regroup and do it again tomorrow."