Tigers fall to X-Women in midweek action

HALIFAX, NS — The STFX X-Women extended their winning streak to five games with a 3-1 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women's hockey action on Wednesday night.

STFX came out strong, outshooting Dalhousie 17-4 in the opening period. The X-Women struck early when Joanna Martinsen (Thunder Bay, ON) netted the game's first goal just 3:03 into the contest. However, Dalhousie responded midway through the first, with Avery Holmes (Mississauga, ON) scoring at 12:31, assisted by Daisy Varga (Burlington, ON) and Gabrielle Noordijk (Oakville, ON), to even the score at 1-1.

In the second frame, STFX regained control with two unanswered goals. Claire Carruthers put the visitors ahead 2-1 at 8:28, with help from Ashlyn Garnett (Dartmouth, NS). Kya Moss (Port Moody, BC) sealed the win for STFX with another goal at 13:26, assisted by Kamdyn Switzer (Stittsville, ON), to give the X-Women a 3-1 advantage.

Despite a late surge by Dalhousie, including several power-play opportunities, STFX's defense held firm. Goaltender Brooklyn Oakes (Richmond Hill, ON) turned in a stellar performance, stopping 23 shots to secure the win and was named player of the game.

Dalhousie's Grace Beer (Oakville, ON) made 39 saves but was ultimately outmatched as the Tigers struggled to capitalize on their power-play chances. STFX finished 0-for-3 on the power play, while Dalhousie went 0-for-7. The Tigers inability to convert on the man advantage proved costly as the X-Women continued to press offensively.

The win keeps STFX firmly in second place in the AUS standings, while Dalhousie drops to third. The X-Women will look to continue their momentum on Saturday, when they host Moncton. Dalhousie will aim to bounce back next Wednesday when they host cross-town rivals, SMU.