Women's soccer semifinal #1: Cubbon, McNicholas score to power Varsity Reds into the final

(HALIFAX, N.S.) - The top-seeded UNB Varsity Reds have booked their ticket to the final game of the 2014 Subway AUS championship with a 2-1 victory over the fourth-seeded Acadia Axewomen.

It's been quite a turnaround season for the Varsity Reds, who head to the finals after only having just one previous playoff appearance since 2006.

There were a flurry of chances by both sides in the first half. Axewomen keeper Caroline Wood came up with a huge save on a UNB breakaway in the 24th minute to keep the game scoreless.

In the second half, Lauren Cubbon broke through the Axewomen defence on the right side and placed a sailing chip shot perfectly past a sprawling Sami-Jo Bell to give the Varsity Reds a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute.

Laura McNicholas added to the Varsity Reds' lead just eight minutes later when she headed in a goal off a cross in the 56th minute.

The Axewomen were down but not out, and Meghan Earle scored in the 66th minute to infuse some life into her squad as they made it a one-goal game.

The Axewomen continued to push, but they just couldn't manage to even the game as the Varsity Reds went on to win 2-1.

The Varsity Reds will now take on the winner of the second semifinal game featuring the Memorial Sea-Hawks and the Cape Breton Capers in the 2014 Subway AUS championship final tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Wickwire Field. The match can be seen live via webcast at www.AUStv.ca.

Source: Dalhousie Sports Information