(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds women's soccer team scored their first win of the 2019 Atlantic University Sport season, a 1-0 victory over the visiting Memorial Sea-Hawks.
Abby Sullivan's (Orleans, Mass.) goal, off a corner kick in the 39thminute, was the only goal of the game.
"It was an amazing ball by Cierra (Thomas), and I just got on the end of it to get it in the back of the net," said Sullivan.
Sullivan, a fifth-year striker, was pleased with the win.
"This is our first home opener win since my first year, and it's Emily's (Burton) birthday, so we wanted to get the first win of the season to start a new path."
The two teams traded opportunities early on, with both keepers being called on to make saves.
Sullivan beat Sea-Hawks keeper Sydney Walsh (St. John's, NL) with a header off Thomas' boot from the corner.
Memorial, now 2-1, manufactured some chances late in the second half, but Reds keeper Brynn Nash (Saskatoon, SK) stopped all four shots she faced.
"To get the win after a few games where we maybe should've had one on the road, to get one at home, that's what we want to see," said Nash.
Despite the loss, fourth-year Memorial defender Spencer Wilkins (St. John's, NL) tried to find positives.
"It was a good battle between both teams," she said. "It was physical. We had a couple of good chances, we just couldn't finish. We'll learn from it and be better."
The Reds, now 1-2, conclude their home opening weekend playing host to the UPEI Panthers on Sunday. Game time is 1:00pm
The Sea-Hawks visit Moncton on Sunday.
RECAP AND PHOTOS BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics