Arsenault's Hat Trick Paces REDS

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) Jamie Arsenault (Sackville, NB) scored three goals to lead the UNB REDS in a 7-3 win over the UPEI Panthers in Atlantic University Sport women's hockey action, Sunday afternoon, in Charlottetown.

Among Arsenault's goals, the game's first and last, the latter into an empty net.

"We had to dig deep after the first period, but credit to our goaltender for huge saves that gave our team momentum," said the first year REDS forward. "We proved we're a team that can respond to adversity and come together when it matters most."

"Jamie really stepped up and made a big impact on both ends of the ice," said REDS' head coach Sarah Hilworth. "We knew it was going to be a tough, physical game, and it was, but I'm proud of how our team stayed focused and executed."

The home team led 2-1 after the first period, but UNB erupted for four in the second.

Katelyn Scott (Almonte, ON) scored once and assisted on three other goals in the win, while Jorja Nystrom (Leduc, AB) had a goal and two assists.

Payton Hargreaves (Whitby, ON) and Olivia Eustace (Riverview, NB) also scored for the REDS.

Scott's goal, midway through the second period, made it a 5-2 game and chased Panthers starting goaltender Sarah Forsythe (Riverview, NB) from the net. She made just seven saves on a dozen shots. Erin Cabaday (Oakville, ON) took over, making seven saves on the eight shots she faced.

Hannah LeClair (Norboro, PE) made 24 saves on 27 shots for the win in her homecoming game.

"It was fun to play back on the Island," said LeClair. "I think it was my first game back there in six or seven years. I had a bunch of family and friends come out to watch which made the game feel extra special. The team showed a lot of adversity, and it was awesome to see all the hard work rewarded with scoring spread throughout the lineup."

"Hannah was outstanding," said Coach Hilworth. "Coming back here and putting on a performance like that was special."

With the win, the REDS are now 16-3-1-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL) and tied for first place in the AUS.

The Panthers are now 9-8-2-1 and tied for sixth.

The next action for the REDS comes Friday night when they visit STFX in a battle of the top two teams in the conference. Game time is 7:00pm.

The Panthers won't be back in action until Saturday, when they host the REDS once again. That game is scheduled for a 7:00pm start too.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Janessa Vanden Broek/for UPEI Athletics