(St. John's, NL) – The Memorial Sea-Hawks salvaged the weekend after their draw with UPEI yesterday, winning their second game of the season 1-0. The win gives them 4 points to start the 2018 season.
From the opening whistle, the Sea-Hawks came out battling the UPEI Panthers with a fierce attack. In the 2nd minute, Nicole Torraville (St. John's, NL) hit a powerful volley from outside the box that was saved by UPEI keeper Alison Muise (Charlottetown, PE). Lauren Taylor (St. John's NL) took an impressive shot from 30 yards out that was just tipped over by Alison Muise. Muise kept her team in the game with a total of 6 saves during the first half.
UPEI's attack wasn't on par with Memorial's, with only 2 attempts on target from Jade Bellemare (Shawinigan, BC) and Lauren Clark (Charlottetown, PE). UPEI's best chance on goal during the first half was Bellemare's shot in the 23rd minute - a beautiful volley that was just tipped over by Memorial's keeper Sydney Walsh (St. John's, NL).
The Sea-Hawks outshot UPEI 6-2 in the first half, but were unable to capitalize on their chances. Both teams went into the break scoreless.
Memorial continued their attack in the second half, and in the 53rd minute Holly O'Neill took the ball down the line, cut inside her defender, and took a shot on goal. UPEI's keeper Muise was able to make the save, but Memorial's striker Torraville quickly reacted to the rebound and found the back of the net, giving the Sea Hawks a 1-0 lead.
UPEI turned up the intensity after the Sea-Hawks goal, with an impressive 5 attempts on target. Lauren Clark, Danielle Younker (Charlottetown, PE), and Jen Balderston (Cornwall, PE) fought hard to even the score line but none could get past Memorial's keeper Sydney Walsh. In the 86th minute UPEI had their best opportunity of the game, with a free kick from Balderstone forcing Walsh to make a huge save.
Despite UPEI's attempts, Memorial held on to their lead, winning the game 1-0. Nicole Torraville was the Subway Player of the Game, registering one goal and three attempts on goal.
The Sea-Hawks head to New Brunswick next weekend to face Mount Allison on Saturday, and on Sunday they travel to Nova Scotia to face Acadia. All games are available on webcast at AUStv.ca.
By: Sydney Hector