Reds rally past Panthers

(FREDERICTON, NB)—Payton Hargreaves (Whitby, ON) made her Atlantic University Sport debut memorable, scoring twice, including the game-tying goal with just five seconds to play, as the UNB REDS beat the UPEI Panthers 4-3 in a shootout on Friday evening.

"It was honestly just a scramble in front of the net and I was lucky enough to have it on my stick, and I knew the time was winding down," said Hargreaves.

UNB's Lily George (Garden Village, ON) was the only goal-scorer in the shootout, giving the REDS a come-from-behind victory, in front of a supportive crowd of 564.

It didn't take long for the game to spring to life as UPEI scored in the 4^th minute.

Jolena Gillard (Deer Lake, NL), forced a turnover and then moved down the right wing, lifting a shot over UNB goalie Kendra Woodland (Kamloops, BC).

The Panthers were in control of the period and did not give the REDS many chances. That was until 9:44, when Tamina Kehler (Chilliwack, BC) sent a pass to Amanda Desrochers (St. Francois Xavier, MB). Desrochers took a shot which was spilled by Panthers' keeper, Shaylin McFarlane (Miramichi, NB). Hargreaves pounced on the loose puck to draw UNB level going into the 2^nd period.

The second began like a nightmare for the REDS as they conceded twice in the opening five minutes.

Less than a minute in, Mireille Martin (Moncton, NB) took a shot that managed to get through Woodland and trickle over the goal line to make it 2-1 UPEI.

The visitors made it 3-1 at the 3:34 mark after some uncertain defending by UNB. Lexie Murphy (Kensington, PE) with the goal.

The REDS then woke up and rallied well for the remainder of the period.

At 11:48, Kehler was once again involved. A lovely give-and-go with Melanie Drost (Nepean, ON) gave Kehler a free shot on goal, which she finished.

The Reds took control of the third period from the first second and continued to pile the pressure on the Panthers. The intensity led to this period having more penalties than the first two combined.

Then, with time winding down, Hargreaves found a bouncing puck in the slot and poked the equalizer past McFarlane.

Overtime did not produce many clear-cut chances for either team, but both keepers kept their teams in the game with some crucial saves. McFarlane made three excellent saves to send the game to a shoot-out.

The REDS went first in the shoot-out. In a test of wits and nerves, the keepers came out on top from each team's first shot. George scored, coolly placing her shot through McFarlane's pads. Two shots then followed with neither being converted. Taylor Gillis (Summerside, PE) stepped up for UPEI to keep the shoot-out going, but she could not beat Woodland.

"To let them score with five seconds left, it was hard," said Panthers' captain Sophie Vandale (Winnipeg, MB). "It's unfortunate that we're only coming out with the one point. I'm glad we, at least, get one point from it, but I would've wanted two. We know how crucial points are in this league, even this early in the season."

After giving up a goal early, Woodland had a decent game, making 25 saves during the game and three in the shootout. McFarlane was also impressive, with 22 saves in regulation and overtime and two in the shootout.

"I think we have a lot more fight and strength in us than people think, and I think it's going to be a really good season," Hargreaves said.

UNB's next game is at St. Thomas, on Saturday evening, while UPEI will be at Moncton on Wednesday.

RECAP BY: Brandon Salick/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics