(HALIFAX, NS) The UNB REDS defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 3-2, in overtime, at the Halifax Forum on Friday night. UNB's win moves them into first place in the Atlantic University Sport standings.
UNB put Dalhousie under some early pressure in the first period, but ultimately couldn't make the Tigers pay. A penalty for Dalhousie's Katie Cameron (Riverview, NB) with just over a minute gone in the game allowed UNB to set the tempo.
However, after Dal successfully killed the penalty they were rewarded a few minutes later. With just under five minutes gone in the period, Dalhousie got on the board first. A quick wrist shot from Olivia Eustace (Riverview, NB) snuck into the top corner and gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
The REDS continued to enjoy more of the puck in the first period and put the Dalhousie goal under threat multiple times. With five minutes remaining in the opening stanza Dalhousie's goalkeeper, Taylor Beam (Brooklin, ON), made a sprawling save to maintain the Tigers 1-0 advantage.
UNB continued to play on the front foot into the second period and eventually found their hard-earned first goal. With just over five minutes gone in the second, Alayna Wagstaff (Olds, AB) assisted Katherine Chadwick (Kanata, ON) on a two-on-one breakaway for UNB to level the score at 1-1.
This became a theme in the second period as both teams traded breakaway opportunities for the rest of the period. After a back-and-forth 15 minutes, Brooklyn Paisley (Shawnigan Lake, BC) was put through by Eustace for a one-on-one and buried the shot to restore Dal's lead.
The Tigers started to rack up a few more penalties in the third period and it eventually cost them. Halfway through the period, UNB evened the game for a second time as Payton Hargreaves (Whitby, ON) scored for the REDS on a power-play.
Dal had a couple late opportunities, but were foiled twice by Kendra Woodland (Kamloops, BC) in the UNB net.
It took overtime to decide this one, and UNB found their winner with a minute remaining in overtime thanks to a wonderful solo goal from Frederike Cyr (Candiac, QC). Cyr was named Subway Player of the Game.
Much like the last match-up between these teams, where UNB came away with a 2-1 victory, this was an evenly-matched game that ended with a one-goal margin of victory for the REDS.
UNB has now won four-straight and moves into first place in the AUS with 19 points, while Dal's loss means they stay seventh.
UNB's next test comes on Saturday when they visit 3rd place St FX. Game time is 3:00pm. Dal travels to Sackville to face Mount Allison on Sunday for a 5:00pm puck drop.
RECAP BY: Dal Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Trevor MacMillan/for Dal Athletics