Weekend exhibition play provided both Laurentian soccer coaches with a number of encouraging signs as the Voyageurs and Lady Vees prepare to open their 2011 OUA campaign on Friday against the Nipissing Lakers.

Coming off a tough loss to the Brock Badgers a day earlier, the Laurentian ladies put in a full 90 minute effort on Sunday and were rewarded with a 2-0 win.

The northern crew created a lot of movement in the first half, resulting in numerous opportunities, though they could not take advantage.

Locked in a scoreless tie at the half, the Lady Vees continued to display solid ball control, eventually breaking the ice when Brette Vanderwoude and later Lisa Watson found the back of the net for coach Rob Gallo.

Returning from a season-ending knee injury in her freshman year, Lockerby graduate Jaimee Lafraniere shared the shutout with fellow northern product Dina Mandolesi of Sault Ste Marie.

“It was a great game for the girls - we were very organized and our defence looked very good," said Gallo. "Everyone got into the game today, which was great to see.”

Meanwhile, the Voyageurs followed suit, pulling out a 2-1 victory on Sunday over the York Lions. The Lions finished the 2010 campaign atop the OUA West standings, dropping the Ontario final to the University of Toronto Blues before rebounding to capture the CIS National Championship in November.

Completing their two-game pre-season sweep after besting the Brock Badgers on Saturday, Laurentian is sure to enter the regular season with a great deal of confidence.

The Voyageurs drew first blood as veteran defender Andrew Posteraro tallied in the first half, giving the Blue & Gold a 1-0 lead at halftime.

York answered in the second half, converting on a penalty kick, but with two minutes remaining, the heroics would come courtesy of Cameron Brooks, scoring off a corner kick to steal the victory.

“It was a very even game, but it was great to get the second win this weekend," said Laurentian coach Carlo Castrechino. "While the two wins were nice, it is time to put them behind us and get ready for the start of the season on Friday.”

Laurentian and Nipissing will kick things off in Sudbury Friday at 4:00 p.m., with the ladies taking to the field at 4:00 p.m. and the men set to battle it out at 6:15 p.m.

Fans should take note that both games will be played at the James Jerome Sports Complex as Laurentian enjoys a rare home game on the turf.