Tigers lock up first place with win

HALIFAX, N.S. — Dalhousie secured a decisive 3-0 victory over the UPEI Panthers on Friday at Wickwire Field. The home team dominated offensively, producing 14 shots with 11 on target. Dalhousie struck early with a goal in the first half and added two more in the second, maintaining pressure throughout the match. The Panthers were unable to register any shots on goal, and their efforts were further hampered by a red card in the game.

The first half opened with Dalhousie applying early pressure against the Panthers. Elise Evans capitalized on this momentum by scoring the first goal in the 15th minute, giving Dalhousie an early lead. The home team consistently challenged the Panthers' defense, forcing multiple saves from goalkeeper Claudia Mazzei before a red card altered the opposition's lineup.

Despite the Panthers' adjustment, Dalhousie continued to press forward, with Paris Axam's late shot being saved by substitute goalkeeper Samantha Garvey. The half concluded with Dalhousie maintaining a 1-0 advantage, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the match.

The second half began with Dalhousie maintaining pressure. Jordan Mansfield and Maeve McCloskey both challenged the Panthers' goalkeeper early, but Garvey held firm with key saves. Momentum shifted decisively in the 59th minute when Megan Chiasson, who was named the player of the game, converted a corner kick from Sarah Giles, with Axam assisting, to extend the lead to 2-0.

Dalhousie continued to control the flow of play, culminating in a late goal by Niah Kuehne, who was assisted by Alexandra Fieltsch. Despite the Panthers' efforts, Dalhousie's defense remained unyielding. The half concluded with a 3-0 advantage for Dalhousie, securing a commanding position.

Chiasson scored once and led Dalhousie with two shots on goal. Emily Toth recorded a shutout, playing the full 90 minutes without facing a shot. Axam contributed an assist and managed one shot on goal. Evans scored the game-winning goal, with both of her shots on target.

At the end of the game the Tigers celebrated their graduating student-athletes, Megan Chiasson, Paris Axam, Elise Evans, Ella Halliday, and Emily Toth. 

The Tigers play thier final regular season game on the road in Moncton on Saturday at 5:00 PM. They then look to the AUS Championship in Cape Breton next weekend.