REDS Win, Advance To AUS Final

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS are headed to the Atlantic University Sport Final after defeating the St. Thomas Tommies 3-2, at Grant Harvey Centre on Saturday night.

REDS captain Paige Grenier (Olds, AB) scored twice, including the game-winning goal, to help UNB defeat the Tommies and close out this closely contested AUS semi-final series. She was named the Subway Player of the Game.

"I knew this day would come," said Grenier. "When I committed to UNB, I told Sarah I have full faith in the team you're going to build at UNB and she did a terrific job. We've battled every day and every year and now we're finally getting a chance to play in the finals."

STU opened the scoring at 13:55 of the first period off of a bouncing shot from forward Mariah Carey (Avonport, NS) that snuck past a screened UNB goalie Kendra Woodland (Kamloops, BC).

UNB answered right back courtesy of Grenier, who tipped a nice pass from Lauren Carter (Milton, ON) at 17:59 of the first period.

In the second period, the Tommies took the lead early off of a beautiful shot from forward Emma Pye (Oshawa, ON), at 3:02, that beat Woodland high.

The REDS were finally able to tie the game on a powerplay goal from Lillian George (Nipissing First Nation) at 19:05 of the second period. George was able to corral a rebound in front of the net and put it past STU goalie Caroline Pietroski (Etobicoke, ON).

The third period, like most of the game, was a back and forth physical affair, with both teams having chances to take the lead.

Then at 14:43, Grenier yet again found the back of the net to put UNB up 3-2. The captain was able to take the puck from behind the net and deke around a Tommies' defender before putting the puck past Pietroski, and giving UNB its first lead of the game.

"Sage [McElroy-Scott] and [Lauren] Carter made a great play on the wall to pop it to me," said Grenier. "I saw an opportunity to go to the net and I was fortunate enough to put it home."

With the win, UNB now advances to their first AUS final.

"I'm just so proud of the team and everything we've been able to accomplish," said head coach Sarah Hilworth. "There's a lot of credit that has to go around from Sylvia Bryson to our administration, John Richard, Wayne Albert, Eddy Campbell, and Paul Mazerolle. All of these people have been so supportive, and it's incredible what we can achieve right now. I am just so proud of UNB, proud of our program and I'm just excited."

The REDS will take on STFX in the conference championship series.

"It's going to be a physical series that's for sure," said Hilworth. "X is a big physical team and they have a lot of skill, but they should not underestimate us."

Coach Hilworth is hoping to see a ton of support from REDS Nation.

"We need all the support we can get," she said. "We want REDS Nation out there with us, in full force. We had some outstanding crowds all season and I'm hoping REDS Nation will have our backs like they always do."

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Shawn Murphy/for STU Athletics