X-Women shut out Panthers, earn season sweep

By Thomas Becker

For the time being, the St. FX X-Women find themselves in first place after defeating the UPEI Panthers 3-0 Friday night.

The X-Women (16-3-2) have had the Panthers (5-14-2) number this year, earning a season sweep against the Charlottetown-based opponent. 

It was a game to remember for rookie netminder Brooklyn Oaks, who turned aside 20 shots and secured her first AUS shutout. Maggy Burbidge, Lainey Joyce, and McKiya Mazur all scored in the win, while Tea Pearce added a pair of helpers.

The Panthers hung around with the X-Women for most of the opening period before the visitors erupted for two quick goals late in the frame.

At 16:53, Pearce's pass from the corner was deflected in front to Burbidge, who slung a wrist shot by Sarah Forsythe for the 1-0 advantage.

Thirty-five seconds later, the X-Women struck again. Joyce intercepted an errant pass from Sophie Bujold and took a couple strides before hitting the top left corner with a wrist shot to double their lead.

The second period was a closely contested battle on the ice, especially on the defensive end. Both teams effectively neutralized any scoring opportunities, as they combined for just 11 shots in the frame, none overly threatening. 

However, the X-Women would add another goal less than two minutes into the third period when Olivia Sutton fed a pass in front to Mazur, who redirected the puck under Forsythe and in the back of the net.

The Panthers suit up again Sunday afternoon when they take on the St. Thomas Tommies, while the X-Women travel to Fredericton Saturday night to take on the UNB Reds for a battle for first place.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek