Beer leads Tigers to win over X-Women

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Dalhousie Tigers secured a 3-1 victory over StFX X-Women on Saturday night at the Forum, with a power-play goal contributing to the win.

Dalhousie took an early lead in the first period against StFX with a goal from Lexie Small at 1:36, assisted by Hannah Robertson and Emma Silvernagle. The home team capitalized on a power play opportunity shortly after when Emmerson Gormley scored at 3:03, with helpers from Ava Boyle and Madison Wardle. The X-Women applied pressure with multiple shots but were repeatedly denied by Dalhousie goalie Grace Beer, who would go on to be named the player of the game. The period concluded with Dalhousie holding a 2-0 advantage, outshooting their opponents and converting on their lone power play opportunity.

The second period was marked by defensive prowess and missed opportunities as neither Dalhousie nor the X-Women found the back of the net. Dalhousie's Beer made numerous saves, maintaining a solid presence in goal to deny StFX's multiple attempts, including shots from Vivian Hinch and Toby Graham. Dalhousie's offensive efforts were thwarted by StFX's Brooklyn Oakes, who saved shots from Emma Penner and Gormley. A key moment arose when Dalhousie's Ava Boyle was penalized for tripping at 17:31, granting StFX a power play. Despite this advantage, the X-Women were unable to capitalize, as Beer and her defense held firm, blocking shots and successfully killing the penalty before the period concluded.

STFX opened the scoring in the third period when Isabella Mariano netted a goal at 9:58, assisted by Lainey Joyce, leveling the score. Dalhousie responded late in the period with Jill Imeson finding the back of the net at 18:55, securing her first goal of the season and putting Dalhousie ahead. Despite several attempts by StFX, Dalhousie's goalie, Beer, made multiple saves to maintain the advantage. The frame ended with a 1-1 score, leading to a final game score of 3-1 in favor of Dalhousie.

Gormley scored a crucial game-winning power-play goal, marking her only goal in four shots. Imeson contributed with a goal and maintained a +2 plus/minus rating, while also winning 5 of 10 faceoffs. Small tallied a goal on her lone shot attempt, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Netminder Beer made 34 saves in the net, allowing just one goal in her appearance, solidifying her status as the player of the game.

The Tigers return to the ice on Friday when they head to Fredericton to face the UNB REDS.