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Gaels 3-0 win bumps Lady Lakers out of playoff spot

​Nipissing soccer coaches present graduating players Kim Tait and
Manuela Eichelberger a commemorative picture plaque as a thank you
for the efforts throughout the years at Nipissing University. (Missing
was Nadia Pagliarello who will be presented with her plaque at the
annual awards banquet)
10/15/2011
MARIA CALABRESE, The Nugget
Lady Lakers found their rhythm in the second half, but it was too late to challenge the No. 1 team in the OUA East, and it cost them a spot in the playoffs

The Queen's Gaels blanked the Nipissing Lakers women's soccer 3-0 during a wet and chilled bout at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex Sunday afternoon.

The Lakers shined at times with strong defensive play to gain possession of the ball and frustrate Queen's counter attacks.

An early lapse derailed the Lakers long enough to prevent the hosts from building momentum against the national champions.

North Bay product Kelli Chamberlain earned two goals for the Gaels, and Jackie Tessier added one, all in the first half.

A day earlier, Nipissing dominated RMC 4-0, with Kim Davidson, Kim Tait and Sara Dorval building a 3-0 lead in the first half. Dorval guaranteed the shutout after 53 minutes of play.

RMC and Nipissing are ranked seventh and eighth respectively in the East Division.

The Lakers are scheduled to face both opponents again next weekend.

Nipissing will graduate four of its team members this year, and head coach David Bitonti considers 2011 a rebuilding year with a stable of young players under his watch.

It's a steep learning curve to play a faster, more aggressive game at the OUA level compared to club or rep teams, Bitonti said.

"Our goal was to make the playoffs, but our young players were getting an opportunity just to play and really hone their skills at this level," he said.


Midfielder Stefani Giftopoulos and forwards Kaitie Smolak and Erica Dixon are standouts in their first year of OUA play at Nipissing, while goaltender Kelley Van Boxmeer slowed relentless pressure from Queen's this weekend.