The Brock women's hockey team lost a close battle with the Western Mustangs by a score of 3-1 at Seymour-Hannah Arena on Thursday, Feb. 10.

Between the holiday break and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Badgers haven't competed in an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) game in more than two months.

"It means everything for us to be back together as a team on the ice," said captain Kaitlyn Colonna. "There were many unknowns over the past month, so to be back and playing is a great feeling."

The first period remained scoreless despite Brock outshooting Western 11-4.

Second-year forward Catriona Cormier scored her first OUA goal to tie the game 1-1 midway through the second period. Colonna registered an assist.

Brooke Dicicco of Western scored the game-winner at 16:35 of the second. Alissa Wouda chipped in an empty-net goal with six seconds remaining in the game and goalie Kaitlyn Booth kept Brock at bay.

Brock outshot Western 26-17 as Badgers netminder Tiffany Hsu suffered the loss in between the pipes.

"It was great to be back, but it would have been better if we got the win and played like we know how we can play," added Colonna. "We'll move forward and learn from this game. We'll be better and ready for our game on Saturday."

The Badgers (5-5) face off against the Western Mustangs (2-5) in London on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. Livestream the game on OUA.tv.