WATERLOO – The Brock Badgers women's hockey team started their OUA McCaw Cup title defense with a 6-0 loss against the Waterloo Warriors on Wednesday evening.
 
A flurry of Waterloo goals in the first period and a penalty-filled second period were the difference-makers in this contest, as the Badgers started their playoff run on the wrong foot in Waterloo for Game 1 of a Best-of-3 series.
 
The first period started with back-and-forth action, and the Badgers appeared to be gaining momentum off of some sustained offensive zone pressure, but the tides turned quickly with Waterloo opening the scoring just over seven minutes into the period. The Warriors would add two more quick goals in the next minute and a half to take a very sudden 3-0 lead.
 
The Badgers got into penalty trouble in the second period, being called for six separate minor penalties. As a result, the Warriors added three powerplay goals in the period to take a daunting 6-0 advantage into the second intermission.
 
Momentum shifted back early in the third period when the Badgers got two powerplay opportunities of their own in the first few minutes of the period, but they were unable to convert despite a few close chances. Keelee Hollowell entered the game at the beginning of the period in relief of Kenzie Harmison for the Badgers and stopped all eight shots she faced in the frame. Badgers starting goalie Harmison made 16 saves in the first two periods.
 
Kara Mark turned aside all 24 shots Brock sent on net to secure the Game 1 shutout victory for the Warriors.
 
The Badgers are back in action on Friday, Feb. 24 when they host the Waterloo Warriors for Game 2 of the three-game quarterfinal series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Canada Games Park. Tickets for the game can be purchased at University Tickets and can be streamed online via OUA.TV.
 
BADGERS AT A GLANCE
Overall Record: 14-13-5-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL)
Conference Record: 11-12-3-1
 
Next game: Friday, Feb. 24 vs Waterloo Warriors – 7 p.m. – Canada Games Park
 
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