Mixed Results For REDS

(MONTAGUE, PE) It was a day of mixed results for UNB's curling teams on the first day of action at the 2024 Atlantic University Sport Curling Championships.

The event, hosted by UPEI, is taking place at the Montague Curling Club, in Montague, Prince Edward Island.

Thursday's opening draw saw both REDS teams on the ice.

After falling behind 3-0 to Memorial, UNB's Jenna Campbell rink scored three in the fourth end and three more in seventh end on route to an 8-3 win over the Sea-Hawks.

"Our game was strong," said Campbell. "We kept it close and showed patience. Our communication was great, and it made for a strong performance."

"The team started slow this morning," said Wayne Tallon, head coach of UNB's women's team. "Once they got a feel for the ice speed and conditions, they executed their shots very well."

The UNB's men followed a similar script in their opener, falling behind 2-0 to Dal before scoring in four consecutive ends to beat the Tigers 7-2.

"The team had a great game against Dal," said Lindsey MacKnight, the REDS' head coach. "There were lots of key shots that put us ahead and ended the game in six ends."

The women were back on the ice in the afternoon draw.

They struggled to find any offence, dropping an 8-1 decision to Dalhousie.

"We weren't as strong in the afternoon, versus Dalhousie," said Campbell. "There were a few shots that got away from us, and Dal was able to build a lead."

"If we made the slightest mistake, Dal was able to capitalize and make us pay," added Tallon.

In the late draw, the UNB men fell behind Saint Mary's 6-2 through six ends.

In the seventh end, REDS' skip Jamie Stewart made a difficult hit and stick to score three and narrow the gap, but the Huskies shut down UNB's comeback attempt in the eighth end, winning 7-5.

"We struggled with our shots, but made it a close game in the end," said MacKnight.

The UNB women return to action Friday afternoon, taking on Saint Mary's, before an evening tilt with the host UPEI Panthers.

"All of the teams here are strong competitors," said Campbell. "After a break tonight and tomorrow morning, I'm confident we'll be ready."

The UNB men face STFX in Friday's 7:00pm draw.

"I'm really happy to be here and experience the AUS Championships for the first time," said REDS' second James Carr. "It's good competition and I'm looking forward to seeing how the weekend goes."

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Mike Needham/for UPEI Athletics