X-Women earn key win over Axewomen

ANTIGONISH, NS - The STFX X-Women kicked off STFX Homecoming 2024 in happy fashion, dropping the visiting Acadia Axewomen 1-0 in a close game Friday evening at STFX Stadium. 

The X-Women took control of the game early, with Gabriel Pizza Player of the Game Caitlin Crichton (Ottawa, ON) finding the back of the net only four minutes in. She knocked in the ball off a nice corner kick from Meghan Lineger (Comox, BC).

The teams settled in with Acadia trying to get back into the match and even the score. Midfielder Rachel Kibble (Dartmouth, NS) directed a couple shots on the X goal in the opening half but both went high.  

The 1-0 STFX lead held through to halftime.

Acadia came out hard in the second half. Riley Bonadie (Ottawa, ON) had a solid scoring chance five minutes into the half for the Awewomen as she rang one off the cross bar.

The teams played a physical game, with the officials handing out four yellow cards, three to STFX and one to Acadia. 

The Axewomen controlled much of the possession in the latter stages of the game and pressed in the last 10 minutes looking for the equalizer, but the STFX defense held tight and keeper Christina Gentile (Laval, QC) was solid in X-Women net.

The visitors had a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box with under three minutes to go, but Gentile was up to the task. A minute later, STFX had a chance to add to their lead, also on a free kick, but Acadia keeper Milena Ramirez (Wolfville, NS) was able to get a hand to the ball and knock it away from danger. 

Ramirez made four saves in the loss, while STFX netminder Christina Gentile (Laval, QC) picked up four saves in the win.

The victory brings the STFX record to 4-3-2, for 14 points, three behind the 5-3-2 Axewomen. Midfielder Madyson Harris (Port Hardy, BC) earned player of the game recognition for Acadia. 

The Axewomen are on the pitch again on Sunday, October 6, when they will visit the Cape Breton Capers for a 1:00 pm game. STFX return to action on Wednesday, October 9, when they host the same Capers squad at 5 p.m.

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Recap courtesy Matt Draper, STFX Athletics