Bell Rings, REDS Win

(HALIFAX, NS) Lilly Bell's third goal of the season was the game-winner as the UNB REDS came from behind to beat the Dalhousie Tigers 2-1 in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action, Saturday night in Halifax.

Bell's wrist shot from the blue line, with 3:01 remaining in the third period, beat a screened Grace Beer in the Tigers net and gave UNB its first lead of the game.

"Lilly has confidence that continues to grow in year two. It's nice to see her get rewarded and continue to take steps forward," said REDS' head coach Sarah Hilworth.

The Tigers opened the scoring just 39 seconds into the first period on a goal by Leah MacSween.

April Reiner tied it for UNB mid-way through the second and Bell's goal came late in the third.

"It was a really competitive game and Dal played us hard," said Coach Hilworth. "I liked that our group found another level in the second half and stuck with it. We brought our standard up this weekend and I'm excited to see how we can rise above next weekend."

In attendance Saturday was former REDS goaltender Kendra Woodland, now a member of the PWHL's Ottawa Charge. The Charge take on the Boston Fleet in a PWHL Takeover Tour event in Halifax on Sunday.

Cassie McCallum made 22 saves on 23 shots to earn the win in the UNB net while Beer made 30 saves on 32 shots in the Dal net.

UNB improves to 14-4-0-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) and remains tied for top spot, with STFX, in the AUS standings.

Dal's record falls to 7-7-2-2, good for sixth place.

The REDS, winners of four straight, now return home to host the Mount Allison Mounties, Friday at 7:00pm.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO BY: Nick Pearce/for Dal Athletics