The McMaster Marauders women's soccer team returns to Ron Joyce this afternoon to even their series against the Nipissing Lakers at 12pm today.
 
The Lakers has been the team to beat this season, and after handing the Marauders their first loss of the season on Friday, 3-0, the Maroon will look to return the favour on home turf. Nipissing currently sits in first-place in the OUA Central Division with 21 points, but the Marauders are right on their heels with 16.
 
The third-place team in the division, the Toronto Varsity Blues, follow with 12 points, leaving McMaster and Nipissing as the two leading squads fighting for first place.
 
Details:
 
McMaster Marauders vs. Nipissing Lakers
Date: Sunday, Oct. 24 @ 12 pm
Location: Ron Joyce Stadium
 
McMaster:
Record: 5-1-1
Standings: Second OUA Central Division
Streak: Lost One
 
Nipissing:
Record: 6-0
Standings: First OUA Central Division
Streak: Won six
 
History:
Friday night's game marked the first time that these teams have met this season, and it proved to be a difficult game for the Marauders.
 
Both teams came into the match without a loss so far this season, but something had to give. The Marauders conceded three goals in the loss – the most they've allowed all season. With a perfect at-home record, they'll look to defend Ron Joyce and pick up valuable points against their division rival.
 
Beyond Friday night, McMaster and Nipissing don't have a strong history at all. In fact, up until this season, the Marauders and the Lakers would not have faced each other in regular season play as they were in different divisions. In years preceding the 2020-21 season, OUA women's soccer was divided into the East and West divisions, Nipissing and McMaster being members respectively. However, in a reorganized structure due to the influence of COVID-19, a third division was added and both McMaster and Nipissing find themselves in the Central Division and in dynamic competition for the first time.
 
Players to Watch:
 
McMaster
 
Joelle Chackal F – Leading the Marauders in both goals scored and total points, with five, Chackal is the one to watch offensively. She has made appearances in all six of McMaster's games so far this season and has put away four goals.
 
Bryanna Caldwell D – Starting defender Caldwell's stamina is striking. She has the most minutes played on the team, as well as two of her own goals to help prove her skillset.
 
Nipissing
 
Ashley Mlinaric M – With an incredible 11 points this season, six of which are goals, Mlinaric will be the one for Marauder defence to keep their eyes on.
 
Jennifer Milligan F – Following right behind Mlinaric, Milligan's point total sits at eight. Although the first-year forward does have three goals, it's her passing that's giving her attention. She currently sits at five assists, tied with Mlinaric for the most on the team.