Panthers rally past Mounties behind three-goal third

By Thomas Becker

Photo Janessa Hogan

The comeback girls did it again, this time with three unanswered goals in the third period to propel the Panthers past the Mount Allison Mounties 4-2 Sunday night.

Third-year forward Emma Weatherbie was credited with the decisive goal at 13:05 in the final frame, sealing the team's second consecutive come-from-behind victory.

"I was just happy to contribute in the win," Weatherbie said. "This fall we really committed to our fitness and I think it's helped us out a lot in third periods."

UPEI's dominance in the final 20 minutes was a relief to head coach Bruce Donaldson, whose team has struggled to score lately. The Panthers recorded only two goals in the three games preceding Sunday's match.

"I told them to stick to the game plan and the goals will come," Donaldson said. "We gave Mount Allison little opportunity in the third period and then we were able to find some success on the offensive end when we needed it most.

"It took just two minutes for the Panthers (4-2) to open the game's scoring, as Lindsay Johnston redirected a cross-ice pass from Faith Steeves, for the quick 1-0 advantage.

But the Mounties (1-5) would respond at the midway point on a gorgeous individual effort by fifth-year skater Shelby Colton, who deposited the puck in the top left corner for the equalizer.

 Mount Allison put added pressure on the Panthers after they were awarded their first power play at the 4:22 mark in the second. But Meghan Sullivan's strong play in goal carried over from the night before, keeping the game locked up at one.

The Mounties didn't miss on their second opportunity with the man advantage, though, as Jennifer Dillon recorded her first goal of the season to pull her team ahead.

The Panthers, however, were unable to capitalize on their power plays. Despite having a 20-second 5-on-3 at one point during the period, the league's top-ranked penalty kill unit kept UPEI at bay.

Down but not out, UPEI came out of the second intermission with more energy, determined to steal the win at home. At 8:20, Jenna Pellerin found the back of the net, tying the game 2-2.

Just five minutes later, the Panthers completed the comeback bid on a score by Weatherbie, who jabbed home the rebound for her first of the season. Steeves would add another on a power play for the 4-2 final. Steeves along with teammates Johnston and Emma Martin each recorded two points in the win.

"Any time a team comes into your home building, you don't want to make it easy on them," Weatherbie said. "So to get these wins at home is big for us."

The Panthers can be seen next on Nov. 5 when they host the St. F.X. X-Women at 3 p.m.