Panthers Top Tommies in Preseason Opener

(Fredericton, NB) – The UPEI Panthers walked away with a 4-2 victory over the STU Tommies Friday night, despite being out shot 31-19.

It was 1^st year forward Taylor Gillis (Summerside, PE) doing the bulk of the damage for the Panthers, as she found the back of the net twice, with her last tally putting the game out reach in the third period.

5^th year forward Becky Conner (East. St. Paul, MB) opened the scoring three minutes into the game as she corralled a rebound off a shot by Alisha Gilbert (Chipman, NB).

The Panthers didn't take long to respond, as it was Maria Clinton (Souris, PE) sneaking one past the shoulder of Tommies' 1^st year netminder Tristyn Elford (New Liskeard, ON). Clinton also added an assist on Gillis's final goal.

The Tommies jumped back out to a one goal lead after a quiet start to the second stanza when Olivia Reid (Aurora, ON) got her first of the preseason. Reid paced the Tommies last season with 11 goals, good enough for 5^th in the AUS. Once again, the Panthers wasted no time tying up the game and then taking the lead before the end of the frame with Gillis getting the tying goal, and Rachel Colle (Toronto, ON) scoring the eventual game winner.

Camille Scherger (Lloydminster, AB) made 29 saves in the win, while the Tommies split time between Elford, who made 6 saves, and 5^th year Abby Clarke (Springdale, NL) who made 9 saves and was saddled with the loss.

The Tommies will be back in action on Saturday as they host the visiting McGill Martlets for a 3:00pm showdown, while the Panthers will travel to Truro on Sunday for a neutral site exhibition game against the defending AUS champions, St. Mary's Huskies. Puck drops at 2:00pm.