(ANTIGONISH, NS) The STFX X-Women closed out the Atlantic University Sport regular season on a winning note, shutting out the UNB REDS 4-0 Friday night.
"It was a tough game for our group," said REDS head coach Jon Crossland. "They were emotionally and physically exhausted, but showed up and competed, but we were not as sharp as normal today."
Second year X-Women forward Lauren Reid (Kanata, ON) got the home team on the board in the 8th minute of play. She deked around REDS' keeper Brynn Nash (Saskatoon, SK) who came out to play the ball and Reid was able to pivot and deposit it into the open net.
The X-Women then had consecutive goals scored by Brynn Jurus (Ancaster, ON) in the 35th and 43rd minutes. She volleyed the ball into the net after a deflected header following a corner kick for her first goal, then converted a rebound off an Amanda Smith (Ottawa, ON) shot for the second.
The home squad was up 3-0 at halftime.
The teams settled in for the second half and saw a lot of back and forth action.
The REDS switched keepers in the second half as Lauren Kelly (Fredericton, NB) saw action in relief of Nash.
STFX subbed in several players latter in the half, including forward Aidan Miller (Chilliwack, BC) who tallied the X-Women's final marker in the 90th minute of play.
Jurus was named Subway Player of the Game.
In the final game of her UNB career, midfielder Jesse Bellamy (St. Catherines, ON) was singled out as the REDS player of the game for her efforts.
UNB closes out the 2022 season with a 2-6-4 record.
"I feel for our grads," said Crossland. "They take away great friendships and memories. Four or five years together her connects people for a lifetime, and I know this group will be great ambassadors for UNB and our athletic program for years to come."
The X-Women finish at 8-3-1 and will await Saturday game results for the final AUS standings and playoff placements.
RECAP BY: Krista McKenna/STFX Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Mya Slawter/for STFX Athletics