Reds Remain Unbeaten At U SPORTS Championship

(PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MB) UNB's Justine Comeau rink improved to 5-and-0 at the U SPORTS Women's Curling Championship, Friday, with wins over the Dal Tigers and Laurier.

In the day's first draw, the Reds beat their Atlantic University Sport rivals in come-from-behind fashion.

After falling behind 3-0 to the Tigers, UNB scored four in the fourth end.

Dalhousie answered with singles in the fifth, seventh, and ninth ends, but the Reds scored two in the eighth and two more in the tenth, for an 8-6 win

"We struggled in the beginning, trying to figure out the ice," said Reds lead Meghan Beland. "One side was curling a lot more than the other side, but once we figured that out, we started playing a lot better."

"Getting a good read of the ice, getting our draw weight down was really important, especially in the last end," she said.

In evening play, the Reds once again fell behind 3-0.

Despite trailing for most of the game, the Comeau foursome kept their composure and kept the game close.

UNB scored two in the ninth end to tie the game 6-6, and stole another pair in the tenth for the win, clinching a playoff spot.

"We did struggle throughout, but we were able to make the right shots at the right times," said Comeau. "It feels really good. I've never made it to a U SPORTS playoffs before, so that's a good feeling. To be able to play for a medal, and represent UNB, is an incredible feeling."

When asked about the resiliency of her team, Comeau said it's something the group has shown since the AUS Championship.

"We've continued to build from there, and it's great to see. No one is giving up, and everyone is willing to stay in it, try their best, and hopefully come out with a win."

In Saturday's final round-robin draws, UNB will face McMaster and Alberta. Both the Marauders and Pandas remain in the hunt for playoff berths.

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld and Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics