REDS Force Game 3

(ANTIGONISH, NS) The UNB REDS were able to stave off elimination on Monday night, defeating the STFX X-Women 1-0 in game two of the Atlantic University Sport Championship Series.

Alayna Wagstaff (Olds, AB) scored the game-winner for the REDS to force a deciding game three, on Wednesday night in Fredericton.

"We had a job to do today, and we stuck to the game plan and showed how much heart we had and were able to come out with a victory," said Wagstaff.

The teams skated through a scoreless first period as it quickly became the battle of the goalies.

UNB's Kendra Woodland (Kamloops, BC) was phenomenal, turning aside all 34 X shots. She was named Subway Player of the Game.

"I think it was a full team effort," said Woodland. "We made a point of playing desperate today with our backs against the wall. Regardless of going to nationals or not you have to play gritty, and I thought our team did an amazing job of that tonight."

The REDS were finally able to break the deadlock at 11:04 of the second period when Wagstaff beat STFX's Jaime Johnson (Victoria, BC) five-hole to give UNB the 1-0 lead.

"I had a beautiful pass from Myah [Bowal] (Terrace, BC) and just walked it in," said Wagstaff. "Sydney [Oitomen] (Mississauga, ON) drove to the net well and I used their D as a screen a little bit and it just went in five-hole."

The X-Women put on the pressure in the third period, looking to tie the game, but UNB was able to weather the storm holding off STFX to force game three.

"It was a little intense at the end," said Wagstaff. "But we were blocking shots and sticking to the game plan and that helped us pull out the victory in the end."

UNB will now shift their focus to Wednesday night where they'll look to win their second consecutive AUS banner with a win at home.

"First things first is recovery," said Woodland. "Focusing on us tomorrow and not too much on the game per se but focusing on being healthy and being ready for Wednesday."

Wednesday's game is scheduled for 7:00pm, at UNB's Aitken Centre. Doors open at 5:00pm.

RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Bryan Kennedy/for STFX Athletics