REDS Advance to Bell AUS Women’s Hockey Championship Final with Game 4 Victory

(FREDERICTON, N.B.) The St. Thomas Tommies battled until the final horn but fell just short in a 4-3 decision in Game 4 of their AUS semifinal series, as the UNB REDS secured the victory needed to advance to the Bell AUS Women's Hockey Championship final series—a best-of-three showdown.

UNB opened the scoring at 7:42 of the first period on a power play marker from Payton Hargreaves, assisted by Katelyn Scott and Olivia Eustace. Despite surrendering the early goal, the Tommies carried strong momentum through the remainder of the frame, outshooting UNB 8–7.

St. Thomas responded in the second period at 4:43, when Nadia Lavoie found the back of the net with assists from Tristyn Endicott and Amy Dvernichuk to even the score at 1–1.

The REDS regained the lead on another power play goal, this time from Hailey Jackson, with Hargreaves and Cassie McCallum picking up the assists. Later in the period, at 15:39, Lauren Carter extended the UNB lead to 3–1, finishing a play set up by Mya Headrick and Keira Grant.

UNB added insurance early in the third period as Olivia Eustace netted her second goal of the night, assisted by Alexandra Parvin, giving the REDS a 4–1 advantage.

The Tommies refused to back down.

On the power play, Lauren Smith cut the deficit to 4–2 with Amber Daley earning the assist. Then, with just two minutes remaining, Daley struck on the power play, with Dvernichuk adding her second assist of the night, making it a one-goal game and setting up a dramatic finish.

Despite relentless pressure in the closing seconds, St. Thomas was unable to find the equalizer.

With a goal and an assist in the decisive win, Payton Hargreaves was named the Boston Pizza Player of the Game, leading the charge as the REDS punched their ticket to the Bell AUS Women's Hockey Championship final series.

Recap courtesy St. Thomas Tommies Athletics