Tommies top X-Women in 2OT to force deciding Game 5 in semifinal series

(FREDERICTON, N.B.) STU Tommies extended their season with a 2-1 double-overtime win over the STFX X-Women in Game 4 of the semifinal series of the Bell AUS Women's Hockey Championship at the Grant Harvey Centre. Rookie defender Tristan Endicott scored the game-winner, forcing a decisive Game 5 in Antigonish. 

STFX opened the scoring early in the first period when Terryn Mozes found the net off a pass from Ireland McCloskey. The X-Women controlled much of the play in the opening frame and took a 1-0 lead into the intermission. 

The second period was even, with both teams creating scoring chances, but goaltenders on both sides held firm. The Tommies and X-Women each registered 18 shots through 40 minutes, but STFX maintained its one-goal lead. 

St. Thomas found the equalizer in the third period. At 8:55, Jordan Chaulk finished a play set up by Natalie MacKay to make it 1-1. Late in the period, Laura Brown took a penalty, giving STFX an opportunity on the power play, but the Tommies killed it off to send the game to overtime. 

The first overtime period saw limited scoring chances, with both teams playing a structured defensive game. In the second overtime, St. Thomas generated more pressure and had an early opportunity when Aimee O'Neill's shot was deflected just wide of STFX goaltender Zak. The Tommies outshot the X-Women 5-2 in the frame. 

Rookie defender Tristyn Endicott broke through at 9:29 of double overtime, scoring off a feed from Megan Kirkpatrick to secure the win. 

STFX held a slight edge in shots, 35-34. Endicott and Mozes were named the game's top performers. 

With the win, St. Thomas forces Game 5, which will be played in Antigonish, with a spot in the AUS final on the line. 

Recap by STU Athletics