NAIT Ooks take down Medicine Hat Rattlers to kick off women’s championship
Lloydminster, AB - The ACAC Championships, presented by the City of Lloydminster Land Division, kicked off with a highly anticipated matchup between the NAIT Ooks and the Medicine Hat Rattlers at Lakeland College Gymnasium. This first pool play game featured a showdown between NAIT, the top team in the North Division (9-1), and Medicine Hat, the second seed from the South (7-3).
Medicine Hat came out aggressively, pressing forward early and testing NAIT's defense. However, as the Ooks settled into their rhythm, they began to dictate possession and apply pressure on the Rattlers' backline.
The Rattlers' goalkeeper, Abby Lalach, was instrumental in keeping the game level in the opening minutes, recording four crucial saves to deny NAIT's early advances. However, the breakthrough came when first-year forward Daelin Horsfield found the back of the net on a long pass from NAIT's defensive end, giving the Ooks a 1-0 lead.
NAIT continued to control the tempo and nearly extended their lead before halftime. Mishio came inches away from doubling the advantage, striking the goalpost, while another close-range opportunity at the three-minute mark also went just wide.
The second half saw NAIT maintain their aggressive attacking approach, continuing to push forward relentlessly. Their persistence paid off when Horsfield struck again at the 21:05 mark, securing her brace and doubling NAIT's lead.
Just moments later, first-year Hailey Mishio added to the tally at 20:45, further asserting NAIT's dominance with a well-placed finish.
Medicine Hat fought back and managed to pull one back at 10:19, thanks to a strong effort from midfielder Alexis Ratke, but it wasn't enough to shift the momentum. NAIT remained in control through the final whistle, securing an important 3-1 victory to start their championship campaign.
Horsfield was awarded Player of the Game honours for the NAIT Ooks, and 1st year fullback Kiana Dumais got the nod for the Medicine Hat Rattlers.