ANTIGONISH, NS - Two goals in the final minute of the second period pushed the STFX X-Women to a hard fought 2-1 win over the visiting UPEI Panthers on Friday night at the Charles V Keating Centre.
The X-Women controlled play early, peppering UPEI goalie and second star of the game Sarah Forsythe (Riverview, NB) with a number of shots early. While the Panthers produced fewer chances early, the ones they had were quality and STFX goalie and player of the game Brooklyn Oakes (Richmond Hill, ON) had to be on her game.
Both teams went on the powerplay late in the period, but neither were able to capitalize, and the fast-paced period ended 0-0.
Shots at the end of the period were 17-5 in favour of the X-Women.
It was UPEI who had the advantage in scoring opportunities early in the period, and the Panthers powerplay went to work about midway through. However, it was Forsythe who had to come up big again on a shorthanded shot by Kamdyn Switzer (Stittsville, ON).
Oakes made a big save off a shot from Sophie Bujold (Riverview, NB) with about a minute left in the period to keep the game tied with about a minute left in the period.
With just over 30 seconds to go in the frame, STFX freshman and third star Joanna Martinsen (Thunder Bay, ON) picked up the puck near the UPEI blueline, fired a shot, and deposited her own rebound into the net. Tea Pearce (Calgary, AB) had the assist.
With less than a second remaining, Landyn Pitts (Antigonish, NS) doubled the X-Women lead, knocking home a pass in front of the net from Maggy Burbidge (Falmouth, NS).
Shots at the end of the second were 32-20 for STFX.
STFX controlled much of the third period but were unable to add to their lead. UPEI had a surge of momentum late in the period, with Bujold getting the final stick to the puck in front of the STFX net with under two minutes to left. Lexi Murphy (Kensington, PE) had the assist.
The Panthers pulled their goalie but weren't able to find the tying goal. Shots at the end of the game were 48-28 for the home team. Oakes had 27 saves in the win while Forsythe had 46 saves while picking up the loss.
STFX is on the road Saturday night for a match up with Mount Allison in New Brunswick at 7 p.m. The Panthers host the Saint Mary's Huskies on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.
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Recap courtesy Matt Draper, STFX Athletics