REDS Win 6th Straight
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS extended their winning streak to six games with a 3-0 victory over the UPEI Panthers in Atlantic University Sport women's soccer, Saturday afternoon at UNB's BMO Centre.
The home team wasted little time in opening the scoring, connecting on a neat play in the 9th minute.
Sophia Maillet (Fredericton, NB) took a ball in the middle and tapped it back with her ankle before turning and feeding Jillian Larose (Ottawa, ON) who was moving in off the wing. Larose easily slid the ball past Panthers' keeper Claudia Mazzei (Burlington, ON).
"I was trying to make it to the back post, thinking she was going to cross it over, but she played the early ball in behind," said Larose. "I just kind of picked it up and took it on the volley."
Mid-way through the second half, Aurora Hughes-Goyette (Garibali Highlands, BC) dribbled a ball in on the Panthers net and shot. Mazzei made the initial save, but Heidi Lauwerijssen (Kensington, PE) was there to push the rebound in, doubling the REDS lead.
Just before full-time, with a ton of traffic in front of the UPEI net, the ball caromed off a couple of bodies and over the goal line. Kate Campbell (Summerside, PE) was charged with the own goal.
First-year REDS striker Julia Mannall-Fretwell (Delta, BC) was named Tim Horton's Player of the Game.
"All the work that this team has put in to make the playoffs and we've all but secured our spot now, so we're all really happy," said Larose. "I'm really proud of the group. It's pretty awesome."
With the win, the REDS are now 6-1-0 (W-L-T). They travel to Acadia and Dalhousie next weekend.
"Those will be two really big games," said Larose. "I think with all the momentum and all the confidence we have, we'll be ready."
The Panthers, now 1-4-1 visit Mount Allison on Sunday. Game time is 1:00pm.
RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: Fran Harris/for UNB Athletics