(MONCTON, N.B.) - Rookie Katryne Villeneuve scored a hat trick in her second game to lead the Université de Moncton (1-1) to a 6-2 victory over the Saint Mary's University Huskies (1-1) Sunday in AUS women's hockey action at the J.-Louis-Lévesque Arena.
Villeneuve scored a goal in each period, including her team's first. The blue and gold had a 30-21 advantage on shots on goal. Moncton led 2-0 and 4-2 after one and two periods, respectively.
Marie-Pier Corriveau also registered her first goal in a blue and gold uniform. Amélie Dion and Marie-Pier Arsenault had the other markers and Marika Lacroix posted two assists.
Haylee Tretiak, shorthanded, and Caitlyn Manning, were the only Huskies to get the puck in the net, both in the second period. Gabrielle Forget was credited with the victory in nets.
Rebecca Waegle made 24 saves in the loss for the Huskies.
"My adaptation is going well and fast," said Katryne Villeneuve who played in Ontario last season. The calibre is a lot different here. I must thank my linemates (Marika) Lacroix and (Kaitlyn) Gallaway for their help. This is a very tough league. The goals did relieve a bit of pressure, but there is still lots. My first game on Saturday was stressful enough. The puck ended up in the crease area and I just shot for my first goal. I got a breakaway for my second, I was not sure what to do, so I shot. I had a nice precise shot for my third."
Coach Denis Ross was happy with the victory, but also said his troops made too many mistakes during the game. "The difference is we were able to take advantage of their mistakes and they couldn't," Ross stated. "I am happy with the first goals of both rookies. It is their role to score."
The Aigles Bleues will move on to host the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers Friday Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the J.-Louis-Lévesque Arena.
Saint Mary's will host Dalhousie in an all-Halifax battle Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
Source: Moncton Sports Information