(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS remain undefeated to start the Atlantic University Sport season after defeating the Memorial Sea-Hawks 85-73 on Saturday.
Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON) led the charge for the REDS, delivering an impressive double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jayda Veinot (Port Williams, NS) maintained her excellent early season form, contributing 23 points as the UNB REDS secured the win, pulling away in the late stages of the game.
"Not only today but the whole weekend we did a good job playing as a team," said Butts. "It's been a great way to start off our season."
It was a tightly contested first half with both teams exchanging buckets to start the game. Reese Baxendale (Apohaqui, NB) played a pivotal role for the REDS to start the game, contributing 10 of her 16 points in the first half. She closed the first quarter sinking a crucial three-pointer and executing a nice layup, leveling the score at 16-16.
The teams continued to battle closely in the second quarter. The UNB bench provided a spark for the REDS, led by Jennifer Nkuah (Brampton, ON) who added four points, two rebounds and a block allowing UNB to jump out on a late 9-3 run to hold a narrow lead heading into halftime, 45-37.
The third quarter saw the Sea-Hawks mount a 10-4 run at the start, led by Rebecka Ekstrom (Stockholm, Sweden), who scored six of her team-high 19 points, narrowing UNB's lead to just five.
Kylee Speedy (Fredericton, NB) ignited a 9-2 run for UNB with a well-executed layup and a three-pointer, extending the REDS' lead to 10.
Alyssa Jenkins (St. John's, NL) went a perfect four of four from the free-throw line, and Hannah Green (Flatrock, NL) sank a jump shot from the corner, reducing the deficit for Memorial to 63-57 to end the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was when the REDS were finally able to pull away from the Sea-Hawks. They opened the quarter with a commanding 13-2 run, establishing a substantial lead.
"I think our defense translated into stops and then pushes in transition and getting easy buckets was just the momentum that we needed," said Butts.
Although the Sea-Hawks attempted a late comeback, going on a 6-0 run to narrow the gap to just 10 points, it proved to be too little, too late. Veinot responded with back-to-back jump shots, effectively halting the Sea-Hawks' rally as UNB held on to take the victory with a final score of 85-73.
The REDS will be back in action at home next weekend, hosting the UPEI Panthers in a back-to-back series at UNB's Richard J. CURRIE CENTER. The first game is scheduled for Friday at 6:00pm.
"We're so talented as a group," said Butts. "We have so much individual talent and we all mesh so well together. Not only is everyone super skilled, but as a team we come together really well, and I think that is going to make us a competitive team this season."
At the same time, Memorial will be hosting the STFX X-Women.
RECAP BY: Evan Richtsfeld/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics