REDS Fall In Season Opener

(FREDERICTON, NB) The Cape Breton Capers scored a 1-0 win over the UNB REDS Friday evening in the Atlantic University Sport season opener for both sides.

The visitors got on the board in the seventh minute when Grace Hannaford (Enfield, NS) beat REDS starting keeper Breanna Habinski (Welland, ON).

About six minutes later, Habinski, a former two-time OUA all-star making her AUS debut, was forced to leave the game following an injury. Second-year RED Ava Henry (Baldwin, ON) took over in the UNB net.

Despite chances, the REDS couldn't find an equalizer and the Capers took their 1-0 lead to the half-time break.

UNB continued to pressure the visitors in the second half, but the Cape Breton back line was solid and thwarted every REDS attack.

"They're probably feeling pretty good that they got out of here with three points today," said REDS' head coach Jon Crossland. "That's about as well as we could play without finding a goal. Everything we built in training camp was demonstrated there today, except for the final piece, so it's frustrating, not disappointing, frustrating."

"I'm proud of the way the girls played," added Crossland. "We had a great start, had a bit of a lull after we gave up the goal, but they found a way back in in the second half. We were good. It's frustrating we didn't get something out of that."

The Capers, now 1-0-0 (W-L-T), head to Charlottetown for a Sunday visit with the UPEI Panthers. That game is scheduled for an 11:00am start.

The REDS will play host to the Mount Allison Mounties on Sunday. Game time is 1:00pm.

RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics