REDS Open AUS Final With Road Win

(ANTIGONISH, NS) The UNB REDS rode a pair of first period goals to a 3-1 win over the STFX X-Women in the opening game of their Atlantic University Sport women's hockey championship series, Monday night in Antigonish.

More than 1600 people were in attendance.

Olivia Eustace and Alexandra Parvin both had a goal and an assist to lead the REDS. Eustace was named the Boston Pizza Player of the Game.

The REDS were first on the board, just 1:46 in, when Avery Thurston's wrist shot from the point found its way through traffic and past a screened Brooklyn Oakes in the STFX net.

At 12:50, moments after the REDS had killed off a penalty, Parvin fed Eustace who ripped a shot high, short side over Oakes to put UNB up 2-0.

"I just saw the top corner open, it's something I've been practicing, so it was nice to see it finally paid off," said Eustace. "My teammates set me up for success on that one. Alex had an amazing forecheck and Scotty (Katelyn Scott) was driving the net. With them doing that it opened a lane for me to get that shot through."

After a scoreless second period, the teams engaged in a closely fought third period.

With 7:13 left on the clock, the X-Women were awarded a four-minute powerplay.

Initial pressure saw them hit two posts, but it was the REDS who scored when Eustace sprung Parvin on a breakaway for a shorthanded goal.

The X-Women got a late goal from captain Landyn Pitts to make the final 3-1.

"Winning game one, on the road, in a short series is huge," said REDS' head coach Sarah Hilworth. "Our group showed a lot of composure and belief tonight. We know the job isn't done, but putting ourselves in this position and earning a win in a tough building says a lot about the character of our team."

Cassie McCallum made 25 saves on 26 shots to earn the win in the UNB net while Oakes surrendered three goals on 21 shots.

The REDS will now look to win the best-of-three series on home ice, Wednesday night. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.

"It's an amazing opportunity to play for a title at home," said Eustace. "We have amazing fans and great support from the community, and it's an honour to be able to come home and give them something to cheer for."

If necessary, a deciding game would be played in Antigonish on Friday.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO BY: Bryan Kennedy/for STFX Athletics