St. Thomas edges STFX 2–1

FREDERICTON, NB - Amy Dvernichuk's third-period goal proved to be the difference as the St. Thomas Tommies held off the No. 4 nationally ranked STFX X-Women 2–1 on Friday night at the Grant Harvey Centre.

The Tommies opened the scoring midway through the first period when Nadia Lavoie capitalized on an unassisted chance at 8:48, giving the hosts a 1–0 lead despite being outshot early. STFX carried much of the play in the opening frame, but Tommies goaltender Katie Sweeney was sharp from the outset.

STFX broke through in the second period. At 12:46, Toby Graham roofed a high shot past Sweeney off a pass from Terryn Mozes to tie the game 1–1.

The X-Women continued to apply pressure throughout the period, firing 40 shots overall in the game, but couldn't find a go-ahead goal.

The decisive moment came midway through the third. At 12:23, Amy Dvernichuk buried a feed from Lavoie to restore St. Thomas' lead. STFX pushed late, including nearly two minutes with the net empty, but Sweeney and the Tommies' defense held firm.

Sweeney earned the win with a 39-save performance, earning player of the game honors. At the other end, Bianca Zak turned aside 13 of 15 shots in the loss for StFX. Graham was named the X-Women player of the game.

The X-Women will be back in action again in Fredericton Saturday night, this time taking on the UNB REDS. Puck drop is 7:00 pm at the Aitken Centre.

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