RECAP: Gee-Gees close season with win in bronze medal game

The University of Ottawa women's soccer team closed out their season on a winning note with a 3-1 victory over the Western Mustangs in the bronze medal game of the OUA Final Four at Gee-Gees Field Saturday afternoon.

Katherine Bearne and Mikayla Morton found the back of the net for the Gee-Gees. 

"Our seniors can look at this as finishing their careers as winners," said Gee-Gees head coach Steve Johnson. "I thought we bounced back from yesterday's result really well. Our first 45 minutes today were among the best minutes we've played all season." 

Ottawa got off to a hot start following their 3-2 extra time loss to the York Lions in the semi-final yesterday. Katherine Bearne skipped into the box and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Megan Girardi to give the Gee-Gees the lead inside six minutes. 

Western responded moments later, when Kiera Grein put home a rebound to level the score. Nikki Balachorek whipped in a free kick that wasn't dealt with by the Gee-Gees, and Grein made light work of the loose ball.

The Gee-Gees had a response, though. Soumaya Bouak danced her way into space on the left flank and swung in a perfect cross. Mikayla Morton was darting into the box and pounced on the opportunity to restore the Ottawa lead in the 27^th minute.

Morton was causing trouble for the Western back line moments later. Her cross was misdirected into the net by a Mustangs defender, doubling the Ottawa advantage. 

The teams would play to a stalemate the rest of the way. Margot Shore, playing in her final game as a Gee-Gee, was replaced by Hillary Damman for the second half.

 "Yesterday was a tough loss, but it just shows our character that we were able to rebound today," said Ottawa midfielder Hailey Walsh. "I think it was a really awesome way to end the season and a nice send-off for our seniors."

Four Gee-Gees players appeared in their final games on Saturday; Shore, Bearne and Théa Nour. Gabrielle Emilien has also concluded her career as a Gee-Gee.