Memorial eliminates Panthers from playoff contention after 2-1 win
Despite already clinching a playoff spot last week, the Memorial Sea-Hawks still have plenty to play for.
By Thomas Becker
Despite already clinching a playoff spot last week, the Memorial Sea-Hawks still have plenty to play for.
With Friday night's 2-1 win over the UPEI Panthers, the Sea-Hawks (7-2-0) moved into first place and currently hold one of the two coveted byes.
"It was a really important game," said Celina-Marie Welling, who scored a goal in the win. "We really want that bye and we deserve it."
The Panthers, meanwhile, are left looking for answers after the loss eliminated them from playoff contention for the sixth consecutive season.
In a must-win game, UPEI (1-5-4) was forced to play catch up early as they fell behind less than three minutes in when veteran forward Holly O'Neill easily put away a penalty kick.
Even after surrendering what could have been a demoralizing goal, the Panthers pressured the Sea-Hawks defence and quickly found the equalizer. In the 16th minute, Memorial goalkeeper Sydney Walsh tried to clear the ball, but Olivia Cummings headed it back in the 18-yard box where Rachel Green took a touch and fired in the top right corner to tie it at one apiece.
But Welling would seal UPEI's fate in the 36th minute with a goal from the edge of the box that got by a diving Veronica Kozak.
With three games remaining—two against the last place Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues—the Sea-Hawks put themselves in a great position to earn a bye, but they're not taking anything for granted, said Welling.
"We're proving week after week that we have what it takes to win. We just have to keep our game up."
The Panthers travel to Halifax next to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies Sunday afternoon.
Photo Credit: Janessa Hogan
