Huskies beat Tigers 2-0

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Saint Mary's University earned a 2-0 victory over Dalhousie University on Saturday night at SMU, with both goals scored on the power play.

Dalhousie and Saint Mary's played a tense first period with neither team finding the back of the net. The period opened with Ridleigh Hansen in goal for Saint Mary's and Grace Beer for Dalhousie. Both goalies were tested early and often, with Beer making several key saves on attempts from Saint Mary's, including shots by Anna Barrington and Jillian Duggan. Dalhousie had a power play opportunity at 9:32 following a tripping penalty on Keyara Nelson, but despite shots from Leah MacSween and Madison Wardle, they were unable to capitalize. Hansen stood firm in the keep for the Huskies, turning aside multiple attempts from Dalhousie, notably from Addison Kramer and Casey Beisel. The teams ended the period scoreless, with strong defensive plays and goaltending dominating the opening 20 minutes.

Saint Mary's capitalized on their power play opportunity at 9:55, with Keyara Nelson scoring the first goal of the game, assisted by Abigail MacKenzie and Avery Cant. Dalhousie was unable to convert on their own power play at 10:12, as Hansen made several key saves to maintain the Huskies' lead. Later in the period, Dalhousie faced another challenge when Hannah Robertson was penalized for tripping at 13:47, but their defense, led by Beer, managed to keep the home team from extending their lead. The period ended with Dalhousie on a power play after a boarding penalty on Kylie Kerr, but they were unable to find the back of the net before the buzzer.

Saint Mary's secured a decisive victory with a 2-0 scoreline over Dalhousie, highlighted by Jillian Duggan's goal at 17:31 in the third frame. Ava Shearer and Gillian Lapierre assisted on the play that occurred during a power play opportunity following a tripping penalty against Dalhousie's Abby Larkin. Dalhousie was unable to capitalize on their power play chances earlier in the period, despite multiple attempts from players like Larkin and Avery Holmes. The period ended with the Huskies maintaining control, with Dalhousie unable to find the back of the net.

Beer made 29 saves and conceded two goals in her start. Wardle excelled in faceoffs, winning 10 out of 19. MacSween contributed by taking three shots and winning seven faceoffs. Kramer was active offensively, recording five shots on goal.

The Tigers return to the ice on Friday, when they host the UNB REDS.