Antigonish, NS - The Capers and X-Women renewed their rivalry in pre-season action on Saturday afternoon with an entertaining 1-1 draw.
The Capers had a slight edge in first-half play and came agonizingly close to scoring when they hit the crossbar on two occasions. Both teams displayed great passing skills and moved the ball fluidly when in possession.
Senate Letsie (Maseru, Lesotho) was excellent for the visitors and was a constant threat with the ball at her feet. Caitlin Crichton (Ottawa, ON) put in another assured performance for the X-Women with her precise positioning and pinpoint passes to launch Xaverian attacks.
The second half saw the X-Women take an early one goal lead. Brynn Jurus (Ancaster, ON) took advantage of a CBU clearing and deposited the ball into the Caper net in the 52nd minute.
The Capers continued to threaten off set-pieces and inevitably made their pressure count. A superb header by Alliyah Rowe (Kitchener, ON) off a well-struck corner kick by Makenna Bowser (Bible Hill, NS) knotted the game at one just a couple minutes after the X goal.
Both teams used all the skill and savvy at their disposal; however, it was a case of the craftier the pass made to send the attacking player into a dangerous position the cagier the defending with the game-winning goal eluding both sides.
Antigonish native and CBU stalwart Rebecca Lambke commented following the game, "It was a good game with both teams solid on the ball. This was our only exhibition game, so I am excited to see what the season has in store."
Indeed, both teams will be well equipped to try and dethrone the defending AUS champions, the Acadia Axewomen.
AUS regular season play opens next weekend. The X-Women will host the Axewomen on Friday evening, September 9th in a 5:00 pm game. The Capers play host to UPEI Saturday at 1:00 pm.
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Recap courtesy Bart Sears, STFX Sports Information