REDS Finish 5th At AUFH Playoffs

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) The UNB REDS wrapped up their campaign at the 2023 Atlantic University Field Hockey Championship held at UPEI's Alumni Canada Games Place, securing a fifth-place finish on the weekend. 

Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat in the quarterfinals to the formidable Acadia Axewomen, the REDS displayed resilience by claiming back-to-back victories in the consolation round, ultimately achieving a commendable fifth-place ranking.

“It's unfortunate we didn't get the final placement we had worked towards,” said UNB head coach Michaela Yateman. “But looking back and comparing the team play and individual player's skill levels from this weekend to our training camp back at the beginning of September, we have seen so much growth and improvement this year.”

Starting the playoffs as the fifth seed, UNB fell just short against the Axewomen in a hard-fought defensive battle on Saturday afternoon.

“The game against Acadia was tough, they are a very fast, young, and hungry team,” said Yateman.  “Although we didn't get to show our strengths offensively as much as we would have liked, we played a solid defensive game; there were many great defense plays and saves that a number of our players made.”

Although the quarterfinal loss dashed their hopes of an AUFH title, the REDS swiftly redirected their focus towards dominating the consolation round on Sunday.

In their first match of the day, the REDS exhibited their offensive prowess with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Mount Allison Mounties.

Goals from Kailla Wood, Megan Bent, Morgan Driscoll, and Amy McMillian highlighted their strong offensive performance.

In their second game, UNB emerged victorious in an exciting 4-2 shootout against the STFX X-Women.

Elizabeth McLean struck the first goal for the REDS just 30 seconds into the game, and after a scoreless overtime period, the teams headed to a shootout.

Kailla Wood, Julia MacPherson, and Hannah Van Brenk each contributed goals, while goalie Emma Dunnett shut down the X-Women, allowing only one goal to lead the REDS to a 4-2 victory and ending the playoffs on a high note.

Dunnett's exceptional goaltending earned her the title of 2023 AUFH Goalie of the Year.

Coach Yateman expressed her satisfaction, saying, "We transformed into a different team on Sunday, facing Mount Allison and STFX. Ultimately, this transformation was our goal, and we feel a great sense of accomplishment in achieving it."

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Debbie Hall/for UNB Athletics