After a long anticipated wait, the Dux varsity soccer team took the field for the first time in over 18 months, against a seasoned West Ottawa team. After a chaotic opening 15 minutes where the defensive line of Marielle Michmerhuizen, Anna Girman, Tia Martinez and Leanne Wyrick were tested but not broken, the Dux grew into the game, gaining confidence and time of possession. The Dux took a 1-0 lead with less than 7 minutes to go in the first half, when Zoe Grant found Anna Miller unmarked at the top of the penalty box. Miller's clever turn created enough space to fire the ball into the corner, beating the keeper at the near post.

The second half saw both team generate several quality chances, but it was West Ottawa that capitalized twice, taking a 2-1 lead with less than 10 minutes to play. The Dux had two golden opportunities in the last few minutes of the game. The first came off a corner that was redirected back to the near post, but Izzy Schoenberg's header was saved by the WO keeper, and the ensuing scramble in front of the net was eventually cleared. The Dux had one last opportunity to tie the game with under a minute to go, when Grant was taken down inside the box. Abby Winn's PK was headed for the corner, the but a diving save by the keeper pushed it off the post and just wide.

"Despite the loss, I am proud of the in-game adjustments we made at halftime. We possessed much better and were exhibited more calm, poised and patience on the ball in the second half. West Ottawa is a veteran team with an organized defense, solid goal keeper and good chemistry in the attack. Although we generated more shots on goal, they capitalized on their chances and we did not. That is the difference in the outcome of today's game. Very proud of their effort, and look forward to playing again at Hamilton on Monday."