With nothing short of an OWSL (Ontario Women's Socccer League) championship likely to satisfy them, the Sudbury Canadians kicked off their summer action on the right foot, sweeping a pair of home games against the Oshawa Kicks.

Taking a early lead and controlling play through much of the first half, the Canadians eventually doubled the Kicks 4-2 in their opener, though there were a few rough spots along the way.

"We started to get nervous at points and it showed in our game play," said striker Karolyne Blain, home for the summer after an outstanding rookie season with the Cape Breton Capers.

The graduate of Macdonald-Cartier netted 13 goals in her first year of university soccer play and was rewarded, named the AUS (Atlantic University Sport) Rookie of the Year.

"We sent the ball up," Blain added. "We didn't bring it down on the turf and control it." Still, with plenty of youth on the team and some tinkering with the lineup in the off-season, the positive results were welcomed.

"I thought we did well for our first game," noted defender Madison Beaudry. "We have some new players on the team this year." One area where the stability was evident was on the back-line, with Beaudry joined by fellow Laurentian teammates Ashley Melnek and Samantha Innocente.

"I know how to play with them, I've played with them before," Beaudry said. "Last year helped us a lot with Laurentian." Of course, with a handful of new faces elsewhere on the field, there is still much to be worked on this year.

"During our practices, we really focused on where we are, as a team, how we shift together," Beaudry said. The Canadians received goals from Blain, Tiffany Johnson, Rachel Leck and Serena San Cartier in the opening game win and looked even more impressive in game two.

A two-goal effort from San Cartier provided all the offensive support Amelia Temelini would need as Sudbury completed the weekend sweep, blanking Oshawa 5-0 on Sunday.

Blain, Johnson and Leck each found the back of the net for a second straight game as the Canadians prepare for six straight road games, beginning with a two-game set on June 16th and 17th against the Markham Lightning.

In recent years, the Lightning have proven to be the team to beat, and 2012 does not appear a whole lot different. Markham currently sports a 5-0 record, outscoring their opponents 23-1 and paced, up front, by Carmelina Puopolo (9 goals - College of Saint Rose, NY), Meghan Reynolds (5 goals - Oakland University - same as San Cartier) and Valaine Confesor (4 goals - Nipissing Lakers).

The Canadians are not back on home turf until July 21st when they welcome the Ajax FC U-21 Red to town. Sudbury will also keep busy with the OWSL Cup this weekend, playing in a four-team grouping that includes Unionville-Milliken Red Strikers, the London Gryphons and Oakville Girls.

The top two teams from each grouping will move on to semi-final action on Sunday, with the finals slated for later that afternoon.