X-Women edge Panthers in 2-1 overtime win

Charlottetown, PE – In a tightly contested AUS matchup, the STFX X-Women edged out the UPEI Panthers 2-1, on Friday night at UPEI's MacLauchlan Arena, securing their 17th win of the season and clinching a first round playoff bye. 

After a scoreless first period, STFX broke the deadlock in the second when Claire Carruthers found the back of the net at 15:01 with an unassisted marker. The only goal of the period gave the X-Women a 1-0 lead heading into the final frame. 

UPEI responded early in the third, capitalizing on a power play opportunity. Sophie Bujold netted the equalizer just over two minutes into the period, with assists from Anjali Simms and Ashley McCutcheon.

The game remained tied at the end of regulation, forcing a five minute three-on-three overtime period.

Ireland McCloskey was the overtime hero, scoring unassisted at 3:29 of the third to give the X-Women the victory.

Despite UPEI outshooting StFX 12-9 in the third period, **goaltender Bianca Zak** stood tall for the visitors, securing the win with a strong performance between the pipes. 

Bianca Zak (STFX) and Erin Cabaday (UPEI) were stellar in net, earning the first and second stars of the game, respectively. The X-Women narrowly outshot the Panthers 30-26.

Next up, STFX will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, hosting the Moncton Aigles Bleus in a 3:00 pm game.  

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