Tommies complete sweep of Panthers to advance to AUS semifinals

(CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.) The St. Thomas Tommies stormed their way to the semifinals with a dominant 8-1 win over the UPEI Panthers Friday night, sweeping the Island team from the playoffs in the process. 

Emily Oleksuk did the majority of the damage, recording a hat trick and an assist to lead her team. Lauren Henman scored a pair, while teammates Olivia Reid, Alisha Gilbert and Stephanie Ford each found the back of the net as well. 

Shortly after missing an opportunity on a power play five minutes into the game, St. Thomas came right back as Oleksuk took a feed from teammate Alexandra Swift and sniped it top left corner for the 1-0 edge. 

Much like they did in Game 1 on Tuesday, the Tommies came into the second period on fire. They one-upped their three-goal second-period performance with five goals on Friday as their lead ballooned to 6-0. 

From the 7:02 mark to 8:41, St. Thomas scored three quick goals courtesy of Henman, Reid and Gilbert on the power play. Henman added her second of the night at 15:10, followed by another Oleksuk goal just three minutes later. 

Oleksuk completed her hat trick just 41 seconds into the third, while Ford went unassisted 10 minutes later. Panther Maria Clinton split the two goals and was the lone scorer for the home team, as the Tommies took care of business 8-1. 

St. Thomas advances to the semifinals where they'll face the no. 2-seeded Saint Mary's Huskies.

Source: Thomas Becker for UPEI Athletics and Recreation