Panthers spilt weekend with win over Tommies

The UPEI Panthers thought they played well enough against Saint Mary's and just didn't get the result they deserved, so they made sure they got it today as they exploded for five goals including two from the Subway player of the game Lexie Murphy in the 5-1 over Saint Thomas.

After the game, Murphy credited her performance to her teammates who were moving the puck well.

"I think our line had a really good game. I think all three of us were moving the puck really well," said Murphy. "We've been working really hard so it's good to see it pay off."

Chloe McCabe got things going early for the Panthers (5-3-0) in the first period as she received a pass down below the hash marks and skated out in front of the net and beat Katie Sweeney to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. The goal also marked McCabe's first in the AUS.

The Tommies (3-4-0) came back though and had a great period, scoring a late power play goal in the first to tie the game at 1-1 after one period of play.

It only took 11 seconds into the second period for the Panthers to regain the lead as Lexie Murphy put her team ahead 2-1. The score would remain the same for rest of the second period.

Quick goals to start to the period seemed to be the Panthers theme today, as Taylor Gillis scored just 34 seconds into the third period to extend the lead to 3-1.

Another first AUS goal was scored later in the third for the Panthers on the power play. First-year defender Orianna MacNeil fired a wicked shot from the point that beat Sweeney up top which extended their lead to 4-1. Murphy would add another goal at the 18:40 mark to make it 5-1.

UPEI will host the UNB Reds next Saturday Nov. 5, while the Tommies are back on the ice today when they play Mount Allison on the road.

Photo Credit: Janessa Hogan