Fredericton, NB - The University of New Brunswick Reds defeated the St. Thomas University Tommies 3-2, taking the best of three Atlantic University Sport semifinals 2-0. Despite a spectacular performance from the Tommies, they were unable to get the victory as the Reds scored late in the third to take the victory.
The first period would hold many chances for both teams, but the first goal would come late in the frame, scored by Mariah Carey (Avonport, NS) of the Tommies. However, the Reds would knot things up before the end of the period thanks to Paige Grenier.
The Tommies would start off the second period strong by restoring their one goal lead as Emma Pye (Oshawa, ON) ripped a shot over the glove hand of Reds' goaltender Kendra Woodland. But once again the Reds would tie things up before the end of the period, this time with Lillian George scoring on the powerplay.
The third and final period would have a strong start from both teams with neither team giving an inch. However, late in the final minutes the Reds would score to make it 3-2 as George would score her second of the game, putting the pressure on the Tommies. The Tommies wouldn't go quiet as they would pull the goaltender in hopes of getting one late to tie the game; but no matter how hard the Tommies tried the Reds shut the door with amazing blocks and some showstopper saves by Woodland, who made 23 saves on the night. Her counterpart, Caroline Pietroski (Etobicoke, ON), would make 29 saves on the night.
In the end it would be the UNB Reds who move on after winning the semi-final series two to zero over the St. Thomas Tommies.
After a heartbreaking loss Tommies captain Alexandra Woods (Courtice, ON) had this to say about the team's performance in the playoffs, and how she feels the team will perform in the absence of their senior players and herself as the next season comes around. "I'm really proud of how far we've come. The games could have gone either way. I think we have a really strong group behind us, the girls represent the character that is a Tommie."
Tommies' coach, Peter Murphy, had this to say about the Tommies final performance of the season, and how tough it is when a season comes to an end. "I told them I was very proud of them, I thought tonight we played well enough that I felt we should win, but you need to bury 'em. I mean it's tough to end a season, it's your last time as a group, and it's tough to see some of the vets go".
UNB will face the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in the AUS finals, with game times yet to be posted.
Recap: Brock Johnson
Photo: SRM Photography