Varsity Reds Blank Aigles Bleus
Sullivan leads UNB with 2 goals
(FREDERICTON, NB) On a cold, rainy late October night, the UNB Varsity Reds celebrated their seniors and a 3-0 win over the Universite de Moncton Aigles Bleus.
Fittingly, it was one of those seniors who led the home side to victory.
Ellen Arsenault(Summerside, PE) scored in the 32nd minute, her first goal since her freshman year. That goal stood as the winner, and Arsenault was named the Subway Player of the Game.
"Court(Courtney Strba) made a good ball to Lauren(Cubbon), and I saw her coming down the wing and she made the cross in and I just went for it," said Arsenault. "I got a lucky touch and it went into the back of the net."
The Varsity Reds dominated possession during the first 45 minutes.
The home side had multiple chances to add to the score, but took that 1-0 lead into half time.
A substitution to start the second half proved crucial.
Abby Sullivan(Orleans, MASS.), returning to action after being sidelined by injury, scored in the 68th minute, giving the Varsity Reds a 2-0 lead.
"I wanted to come back with, kind of a bang, I guess," said Sullivan.
Back with a bang, indeed.
Nine minutes later, Sullivan struck again.
"It gives us a ton of confidence, to win our last home game for all the graduating girls," said Sullivan. "They've sacrificed so much for this team, they're all great people and we really wanted to win for them."
Arsenault echoed the second year striker's sentiments.
"I think this is what we needed," said Arsenault. "Our weekend is not over, we've got another important one tomorrow, but this definitely set us on the right path for tomorrow, and going into AUS next weekend."
The three goal outburst was UNB's most productive outing since a 4-0 win, at Saint Mary's, on October 1st.
The Varsity Reds honoured seven graduating players before the game, including team captain Hayley Gates(Bridgewater, NS).
She's sidelined by injury, but was part of UNB's starting eleven.
Gates was subbed out before the opening kick-off, an emotional moment for the fifth year Varsity Red.
"I wanted to have that last moment on the field with all of my teammates, all of my best friends," she said. "It was just a good way to go out, considering this bad situation."
With the loss, Moncton's season comes to an end.
The Varsity Reds are back in action on Saturday, when they face the Mounties, at Mt. Allison.