REDS Earn Weekend Split

(HALIFAX, NS) The UNB REDS split a weekend series in Halifax, scoring a thrilling double-overtime win against Saint Mary’s on Saturday before falling to the defending league champion Dalhousie Tigers on Sunday.

UNB would notch their first victory of the 2022 Maritime University Field Lacrosse League season, beating the Huskies 3-2 in double overtime on Saturday afternoon.

Mac Huckla was the overtime hero for UNB. He was able to score the game-winner off a fast-break, following a faceoff win by midfielder Nick Parsons. Braden Galbraith fed the ball to Huckla on the wing who buried a shot to give UNB the victory.  

“I saw our middies dominating the [faceoff], like they had been all game, and the hard work and determination by Galbraith winning the loose ball battle taking it hard to net and drawing the slide leaving me wide open,” said Huckla. “I was able to put it into the open cage.” 

Veteran attackman Chris Burgess continued his solid start to the season, scoring twice for the REDS.

“I’ve been doing my best to be present and not get too worked up in everything going on, enjoying being on the field,” said Burgess. “When the times are tough it’s a lot easier to compete when you’re having a good time and being present, playing the game for the right reasons.”

First-year goalie Zach Cogswell was strong for the REDS, making 15 saves.

“When you stick to a game plan for 60 minutes and trust each other and work for each other, positive thing happens,” said Huckla. “It’s huge for this group to have a game like this and just another successful track on the ride up the mountain.”

Coming off the high of Saturday’s win, the REDS dropped a 10-2 decision to the Tigers.

Dal scored six unanswered goals in the second half to take command of the game.

Burgess led the REDS once again, scoring both goals.

He’s now second in league scoring with six.

“As a group we did a lot of the little things right and we accomplished the goals we set out to accomplish this weekend,” said Burgess. “We came out and did a lot better than people expected us to and we’re going to build on this.”

UNB is now 1-2 on the season and will return home to face the UPEI Panthers, on Saturday, at BMO Centre. Game time is 8:00pm.

WEEKEND RECAP: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

PHOTO: File