Women’s hockey fall to Dal

The women’s hockey Mounties faced off against the Dalhousie University Tigers on Saturday night in the Sackville Civic Centre. In a very exciting, high-scoring game, the Mounties could not quite keep pace, resulting in a loss of 5-3. The Mounties’ effort was present throughout the game. They showed grit and toughness.
The Mounties started out flying, applying constant pressure in the Tigers zone with a strong cycle. Mounties goalie Lindsay Wray played a great first period and provided a steadying presence throughout. She made several great saves, including one on a breakaway against a Tigers winger. This strong play was key. The Mounties were able to strike during first six minutes on a breakout through the neutral zone with Samantha Bujold streaking down the wing, finding Kara Anthony in the middle. She then snapped a shot over the Dal goalie’s glove, making the score 1-0. Overall the Mounties played a good first period, keeping the Dal shooters to the outside and providing lanes through which Wray could see Dal’s incoming shots.
Dal came out strong in the second period, scoring two quick goals and giving Dal an early 2-1 lead. Midway through the second, a strong forecheck by Amanda Volcko resulted in Rhiannon Ford’s obtaining the puck and centering it into a sea of legs, with captain Mackenzie Lalonde pushing past the Tigers goalie to tie the game at twos. Unfortunately, seconds after the ensuing faceoff, Dal scored again to reclaim the lead.
The Mounties quickly responded as Heather Richards got the puck at the side of the net, centering it to Volcko who tipped it into the Tigers and tied the game at threes. Again, Dal was able regain the lead quickly after a Dal forward broke in alone and beat Wray with a swift deke. The second period was up-and-down for the Mounties. They were able to score twice but seemed to slightly lose focus after each, allowing Dal to respond quickly after both goals.
The third period saw Dal extend their lead. The Mounties applied a lot of pressure, especially late in the period, creating several scoring chances which did not result in goals.
The Mounties came out strongly but faded defensively as the game progressed and the Dal players increased their speed. The forward line of Volcko, Richards and Lalonde was the most dangerous of the night. They possessed the puck for long periods of time in the Tigers’ zone, scoring two of the three Mounties goals. For her efforts, captain Lalonde was awarded second star of the game.