REDS Fall In U SPORTS QF

REDS' forward Alayna Wagstaff muscles the puck to the net during Thursday's quarter-final loss at the U SPORTS women's hockey championship, in Montreal. (PHOTO: U de Montreal Athletics)
REDS' forward Alayna Wagstaff muscles the puck to the net during Thursday's quarter-final loss at the U SPORTS women's hockey championship, in Montreal. (PHOTO: U de Montreal Athletics)

(MONTREAL, QC) The UNB REDS were unable to overcome a relentless Montreal Carabins attack, falling 4-1 in the quarter-finals at the U SPORTS women's hockey championship, in Montreal, on Thursday night.

Lillian George was named the U SPORTS Nike Team Player of the Game for the REDS, netting the lone UNB goal.

"Obviously it's a tough loss to swallow," said George. "It's easy to keep looking back on your mistakes or opportunities we didn't capitalize on but that's hockey."

The Carabins controlled the pace of play to start the game, keeping the REDS in their own zone for the majority of the first period. 

The consistent pressure paid off, as at 11:38 Kaleigh Quennec was able to beat a screened Kendra Woodland, glove side, to give Montreal the 1-0 lead. 

The Carabins held that lead heading into the first intermission.

In the second period, Montreal was able to take advantage of UNB's penalty troubles, scoring twice on the power-play to take a 3-0 lead. 

The first goal came when Mylene Lefebvre was able to corral a loose puck in front and put it past a sprawled-out Woodland. Then, at 11:21, Joannie Garand was able to put a centring pass in front of the net to Amelie Poire-Lehoux who beat Woodland blocker side to increase the Carabins advantage.

Montreal added to their lead in the third period as Lefebvre netted her second goal of the game off a two on one break.

George finally got the REDS on the board with 2:44 left in the third period. She was able to take advantage of a mis-play by a Montreal defender and beat goalie Aube Racine, ending her shutout bid.

"We gotta look forward to our next game now and show up to prove to ourselves that we are a good hockey team no matter what game we are playing in," said George.

With Thursday's loss, UNB will now play at 10:00am Saturday, against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the consolation round.

 

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Univ. de Montreal Athletics