CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Cleveland Heights’ own Laila Edwards had an assist in front of her hometown crowd as Team USA beat Canada 4-1 in the opening game of the Rivalry Series.

Edwards’ shot was tipped-in by Taylor Heise that tied up the game 1-1 in the first period.

Edwards grew up in Cleveland Heights, and the forward-turned-defenseman is the first Black female player to ever skate for Team USA.

“Queen of Cleveland,” Heise said. “That’s what we’ve been calling her all week.”

Heise went on to set up Abbey Murphy’s three goals that went unanswered by Canada.

Murphy’s hat trick led the way as Team USA captured a 4-1 victory in Game 1.

Next up the series will head to Buffalo for Game 2 on Saturday at Key Bank Center.

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