X-Women soccer open home season

The StFX X-Women (1-1-2) posted a tie and loss over the weekend in AUS soccer action at Oland Stadium.

Sunday, the blue and white battled the visiting UPEI Panthers to a scoreless draw.

"We came out really strong. We were ready to play," X-Women associate coach Mira Novak told the StFX Varsity Club webcast, after the match, on Bell AUS TV.

He noted the team showed the "physicality" required to compete in the conference.

Novak added the X-Women have to continue to work on their "finish" on the offensive end.

Fourth-year keeper Maris Miller recorded the shutout.

Although not tested a great deal, the veteran secured the tie with a spectacular breakaway save on Panthers' striker Emilie Pelletier in the 90th minute.

Fourth-year midfielder Alix Bruch was named player of the game for the X-Women.

Saturday, the X-Women dropped a 2-0 decision to the Acadia Axewomen in their home opener.

After the opening minutes, where the blue and white carried much of the play, the visitors scored on an X-Women giveaway in the eighth minute.

"They have great execution in and around the 18-yard box; they will punish you if you give them an inch," X-Women head coach Graham Kennedy said, describing the Kinsella Noseworthy-Smith marker as a "momentum changer."

Meghan Earle, off a great cross from Rebeccah Slaunwhite, added an insurance goal in the 48th minute.

The first-year X-Women head coach said his players are buying into the system.

Kennedy credited the veteran Bruch for "holding the midfield" against the Axewomen.

Bruch also had the best opportunity to break the shutout in the second half, as the X-Women attempted a comeback, when she ripped a low shot just wide of the far post.

He added freshman player of the game Brittany Parks had a tremendous effort in the "attacking midfield."

The X-Women return to action Wednesday, Sept. 18, when they visit Halifax to face the defending conference champion Dalhousie Tigers.

The blue and white are back at Oland Stadium this weekend for a pair of home games versus the Mount Allison Mounties (Saturday, Sept. 21) and Saint Mary's Huskies (Sunday, Sept. 22). Both matches kick-off at 1 p.m.

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