X-Women win battle of top teams with 4-1 decision over REDS

ANTIGONISH, NS - The STFX X-Women confirmed their position atop the Atlantic University Sport women's hockey standings with a convincing 4-1 win over the visiting UNB REDS at the Charles V Keating Centre on Friday night. The win marks the 12th in a row for the X-Women, who currently lead the AUS conference with 37 points. 

The first period was fast paced and physical, with a strong STFX forecheck generating scoring chances early. Kamdyn Switzer got the X-Women on the scoreboard five minutes into the game, tipping home a Terryn Mozes point shot while on the powerplay.

WHKY: A closer look at Switzer's opening PP goal to give the X-Women a 1-0 edge over the REDS tonight! #goxgo pic.twitter.com/14CDH1NpFY

— StFX Athletics (@StFXAthletics) January 24, 2025

STFX went on the powerplay again late in the period, but weren't able to convert, and the first ended 1-0 in favour of the home side. 

UNB defender Josie Chisholm tied the game up 25 seconds into the period, firing home a long shot from just past the redline.

The tough play from the first continued, with both teams looking to pull ahead. STFX forward Megan Smith broke the deadlock with two minutes to go, pouncing on a rebound from Vivian Hinch, who led a big rush from the STFX end. 

WHKY: Smith with the X-Women's 2nd goal off a rebounded Hinch breakaway attempt to keep X's lead after 40! Tune in on https://t.co/SNKvpi23ys for the final frame #goxgo pic.twitter.com/HpzG6xYBy4

— StFX Athletics (@StFXAthletics) January 25, 2025

Ireland McCloskey gave STFX a two-goal lead eight minutes into the final period, picking up a long pass from Anna MacCara in the UNB zone and rifling one top shelf.

Kameryn Lahey added the dagger 90 seconds later, tapping in a Tea Pearce rebound off the rush. The X-Women continued to buzz for the rest of the stanza, and UNB wasn't able to respond. 

WHKY: Check out the back-to-back 3rd period goals from McCloskey and Lahey! #goxgo pic.twitter.com/ul31SU72EI

— StFX Athletics (@StFXAthletics) January 25, 2025

Smith won Gabriel Pizza Player of the Game and first star honors for notching the game winner, while Chisholm and Hinch received the second and third stars, respectively, for their efforts on the night. 

UNB netminder Cassie McCallum made 27 saves while STFX goalie Bianca Zak had 17 stops while picking up the win.  

The X-Women return to action next weekend, when they host the UPEI Panthers on Saturday, February 1, at 7 p.m. The REDS continue their road trip tomorrow, January 25, when they visit Charlottetown to take on the Panthers at 7 p.m. 

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Recap courtesy Matt Draper, STFX Athletics