Reds Rally Past Tigers

UNB's Lindsey Smith fends off a Dal attacker during Friday's 5-2 win, in Halifax. (Photo: Trevor MacMillan/for Dal Athletics)
UNB's Lindsey Smith fends off a Dal attacker during Friday's 5-2 win, in Halifax. (Photo: Trevor MacMillan/for Dal Athletics)

(HALIFAX, NS) Ashley Stratton scored once and added an assist as the UNB Reds beat the host Dalhousie Tigers 5-2 on Friday night.

The Tigers opened the scoring, capitalizing on a partial breakaway with Kennedy Whelan (Alliston, ON) rifling a shot past Reds netminder Hailey Martens (Ladysmith, BC). 

The Reds were able to draw even when Ashley Stratton (Mount Pearl, NL) scored right off a face-off. 

Shortly after tying the game, the Reds were put on the penalty kill, and the league's best penalty kill flexed their muscle and were able to kill off the penalty.

The second period began with rougher play from each team. This boiled over with Frederike Cyr (Candiac, QC) picking up her second penalty of the night.

The Tigers took advantage, as Isabella Weist (Torbay, NL) was able to break the tie as she scored short side.

The Tigers went right back on the power play after the goal, but Martens was able to turn away any pucks thrown her way. 

Before the end of the second, Myah Bowal (Terrace, BC) evened the game 2-2 with a power-play goal of her own.

The Reds did not waste time in the third period, braking the tie early. After a save by Martens, Alayana Wagstaff (Olds, AB) went down the ice and threw a puck on net that found its way in.

Hanna Matchett (Nanton, AB) then scored a beautiful goal to make it 4-2.

After the goal, intensity picked up from both sides as there was three penalties called in three minutes, which led to some four on four action. 

With the Tigers down two, they opted to pull the goalie for the extra attacker with just over two minutes left. The Tigers created minor scoring chances, but Jenna MacLean (Wilcox, SK) was able to put the puck into the empty net for a 5-2 lead. 

Stratton earned Subway Player of the Game honours.

The Reds took the 5-2 win with a stellar 32-save performance from Martens. 

The Tigers travel to Mount Allison to take on the Mounties on Saturday, while the Reds continue their weekend road trip at St FX.

 

RECAP BY: Kyle LaRusic/for Dal Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Trevor MacMillan/for Dal Athletics