Rookie Jahmal Boursiquot powers Panthers to 2-1 victory, puts UPEI in playoff position

By Thomas Becker 

The UPEI Panthers edged closer to a playoff berth with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Acadia Axemen, thanks to a stellar performance from rookie striker Jahmal Boursiquot, who scored both goals for the Panthers (3-4-1).

Boursiquot has been on a bit of a scoring heater lately, netting three goals in the past two games. After the game, the freshman reflected on the mental side of his performance, emphasizing the importance of staying calm under pressure.

"Keeping my composure on and off the field has helped me most," he explained. "As a striker, not scoring can really weigh on you and affect your performance. But staying calm and centred allows me to find my rhythm, and that made all the difference today." 

Boursiquot wasted little time in making his presence felt, opening the scoring in the 7th minute. Chase Bell set the play in motion, sending a long ball from beyond midfield. Boursiquot muscled his way past an Acadia (1-5-3) defender and fired an off balance shot that beat goalkeeper Connor Burns on the far side, giving UPEI a 1-0 lead. 

However, Acadia responded in the 20th minute. Blaise Mellema attempted a cross that deflected off UPEI defender Max VanWiechen, and the loose ball found Noah Schurman, who calmly slotted it past Panthers goalkeeper Isaac Wolters to level the score at 1-1.

The two teams traded chances as the game progressed, but it was UPEI that found the decisive breakthrough in the 77th minute. Chinguun Khatanbaatar lofted a deep pass over the top of the Acadia defence, and Boursiquot again showed his speed beating his marker to the ball. This time, he chipped the onrushing goalkeeper, netting his second goal of the match and giving the Panthers a crucial 2-1 lead. 

With the win, UPEI finds itself in a playoff position, but with four games remaining in the regular season, there's still work to be done to secure their spot. The Panthers will look to continue their push as they host the Dalhousie Tigers in their home finale on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. Meanwhile, the Axemen will regroup as they travel to Antigonish for a Friday showdown against the St. FX X-Men.

"Today's game was a tough one, especially in the thick of a playoff race," Boursiquot said. "The team battled hard for each other, and I'm glad I could contribute to the win. Hopefully, we can keep up this level of performance for the rest of the season."

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek