(SYDNEY, N.S.) The host and defending champion Cape Breton Capers are the 2019 AUS women's soccer champions.
Cape Breton downed the previously undefeated Acadia Axewomen 3-2 in Sunday's championship final to capture their third consecutive conference title and 11th in team history.
AUS rookie of the year Alliyah Rowe (Kitchener, Ont.) was a factor in all three goals.
The first half featured some high winds that impacted the gameplay. The Axewomen, playing with the wind, were able to pin the Capers in their own half for long stretches of the game.
Jenna Boudreau (Halifax, N.S.) and Jacqueline Stevens (Kentville, N.S.) each scored within one minute to stun the hometown Capers.
Cape Breton's Rachel Leck (Pickering, Ont.) scored in the 31st minute to cut the lead in half and enter the dressing room trailing 2-1.
In the second half, the high winds subsided and the Capers came out strong. They were able to hold possession early in the second half.
Rowe was able to connect on a Mackenna King (Barrie, Ont.) cross to tie the game in the 60th minute.
Rowe followed that up with a beautiful kick into the top corner of the net in 62nd minute.
Cape Breton was able to defend the final 25 minutes by controlling the ball at the back and clearing any dangerous balls away.
Senior keeper Rachel Yerxa (Mississauga, Ont.) saved three of the five shots she faced for the victory.
Acadia keeper Sarah Charnock (Newmarket, Ont.) turned aside four of seven shots in a losing effort. Rowe finished with two goals and one assist.
Rowe was named Subway Player of the Game following Sunday's final, as well as championship MVP.
Boudreau earned player of the game nods for Acadia in the loss.
With the win, the Capers will now travel to Victoria for the U SPORTS national being hosted by the University of Victoria, Nov. 7 to 10. Acadia will also represent the AUS at the U SPORTS championship.
Source: CBU Athletics Sports Information