Mounties advance to women's hockey semifinals with 4-1 win over Tommies

(SACKVILLE, N.B.) -  Last night in Sackville, over 250 fans at the Tantramar Veterans Civic Centre watched as the Mount Allison Mounties skated to a 4-1 victory and a two-game series sweep over the St. Thomas Tommies in women's hockey quarterfinal playoffs action.

The Mounties came out flying in the first period, out-shooting the Tommies 15-9 and scoring the only goal of the period on a power-play. It was Lindsay James with her first of the game at 9:24 with a well placed shot from the slot. Amanda Volcko and Emily vanDiepen assisted on the goal.

In the second period, rookie Jennifer Bell scored her second goal of the series to extend the lead to 2-0. Kara Anthony and captain Kristen Cooze assisted on the goal.

Five minutes later, the Tommies' Jordan Miller took advantage of a turnover and scored from in close to cut the lead to 2-1.  

But just 30 seconds later, James scored her second goal of the game to extend the Mounties' lead to 3-1 after forty minutes of play when she converted a nice pass from King from in close.  

The line of Lindsay James, Amanda Volcko and Courtney King dominated the third period and their constant pressure resulted in the only goal of the period.

James was once again the trigger person scoring her third goal of the game and fourth of the series at 13:32, with King and Volcko drawing assists.

Kate O'Brien was solid in net, turning aside all 10 shots directed her way in the third. The Mounties defence was also effective as they limited St. Thomas's offence to one shot and denied Tommies forwards access to the crease.

James, O'Brien, and Volcko were selected the three starts of the game.

Head coach Zach Ball and his assistants were thrilled and proud of the result of both games. Tonight especially, he stated his team played a "complete" game and were deserving of their victory. 

With the win, the Mounties advance to the Subway AUS women's hockey championship semifinal series, but will have to wait until a winner in the other quarterfinal series, between the Moncton Aigles Bleues and the UPEI Panthers, is determined. Moncton currently leads that series 1-0.  

Due to seeding, if Moncton is victorious, the Mounties will face the StFX X-Women in the semifinals. If the Panthers come out on top, Mount Allison will face the Saint Mary's Huskies.