This weekend, the women’s soccer team left no doubt they’re the top local team with back-to-back wins against the RMC Paladins.

A convincing 3-0 victory on Saturday followed by an even more resounding 5-0 win on Sunday showcased both the offensive and defensive prowess of a Queen’s team that seems to be brimming with confidence.

“Anytime you get six points, you’re happy,” head coach Dave McDowell said of his team’s performances this weekend. “So pleased with the effort, pleased with the clean sheets on both days, and pleased with us improving each day.”

McDowell noted the abnormalities of the weekend: a double-header against the same team and heat that swelled to above 30 degrees.

“It’s kind of a weird one to play the same team back-to-back with less than 24 hours rest. [It was also] super hot on both days,” he said.

The Gaels struck early in both games, scoring in the eighth and 12th minutes, respectively. These tallies seemed to spark a prolific offence that scored eight goals in just two games.

With 23 points, Queen’s found themselves atop the OUA for goals scored—more notable considering they’ve played two less games than most teams in the league.

Forward Jenny Wolever was vital to their success, scoring in both games for a total of six goals this season—good for third in the OUA.

When asked if any players in particular stood out over the weekend, McDowell was quick to credit the victories to the team as a whole.

“I thought we got contributions from everybody, which was nice, and getting goal scoring from a variety of sources too,” McDowell said.

The coach saw a variety of offensive sources after six of his players found the back of the net over the weekend series. 

Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the pitch, the Gaels held off RMC’s offence almost perfectly with two shutouts. Over both of their games, Queen’s held the Paladins to but two total shots, a stark contrast to the former’s combined 30 over the weekend.

Queen’s is looking to carry their momentum over to next weekend as they the UOttawa Gee-Gees and Carleton Ravens.

The Gee-Gees—who currently sit four points ahead of the Gaels in the OUA East—were bounced from last year’s playoffs after Queen’s defeated them 5-4 in penalty kicks. 

“Ottawa sits at the top of the league … They’re always tough physical games, so we expect the same thing next weekend,” McDowell said. “They’ll be super tough games, and a good test for us at this part of the season.”