X-Women clinch playoff berth with 6-0 win over Huskies

The St. FX X-Women are heading back to the AUS Playoffs after defeating the Saint Mary's Huskies 6-0 on Wednesday night at Huskies Stadium in Halifax.

The Huskies offence created a few chances early, including a shot by forward Allie Martin (Halifax, NS), that was turned away by a diving save by X-Woman keeper Jordyn Pratt (Calgary, AB). Moments later Pratt punched away a corner kick and made a great save on the rebound by Talia South (Barrie, ON).

Just five minutes into play, X-Women forward Aidan Miller (Chilliwack, BC) would make a nice move to cut inside, and fired a shot. Huskies goalkeeper Grace Morrison (Halifax, NS), made a nice diving save, but the rebound was directed into goal by defender Emma Steen (Stittsville, ON) to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

In the 12^th minute, the X-Women would double their lead when Hannah Yantha (Cambridge, ON) headed home a corner kick by midfielder Talia Morin (Ottawa, ON).

In the 39^th minute, a Morin corner kick led to another goal, as Abby Steen (Stittsville, ON) joined her twin sister Emma with a goal each.

Just over three minutes later the X-Women would score their fourth goal of the first half, as all-star forward Amanda Smith (Ottawa, ON) had her shot blocked, before first year forward Aidan Miller (Chilliwack, BC) volleyed the rebound past Morrison for her first career AUS goal.

The X-Women registered nine first half shots on goal, compared to three for the Huskies.

Saint Mary's made several substitutions to begin the second half, replacing Morrison in goal with first year Kaitlyn Alley (Milton, ON), and bringing in fellow first years Julia Pasma (Georgetown, ON), Alexandra Campbell (Vancouver, BC), Charlotte Baines (Halifax, NS) and Emma Bristow (Surrey, BC).

The X-Women added to their lead in the 65^th minute, when Emma Steen played a ball through the box for second year midfielder Hailey Burk (London, ON), who fired a left-footed shot that Alley deflected with a fingertip but wasn't able to stop, giving the X-Women a 5-0 lead.

Just over two minutes later the X-Women scored again, as Morin's shot was saved by Alley, but forward Lauren Reid (Kanata, ON) finished on the rebound to make the score 6-0.

Emma Steen was named Subway Player of the Game with two goals and an assist. X-Women goalkeeper Jordyn Pratt made seven saves for the clean sheet.

The X-Woman win improved their record to 6-3-0 on the season, clinching a playoff spot. St.FX will next host the Dalhousie Tigers on Friday night at 5 p.m. in Antigonish, N.S.

The Huskies loss dropped their record to 4-4-2 on the campaign. They'll be back on home turf on Friday night as they host the UNB REDS at 5 p.m. at Huskies Stadium. The Huskies will honour graduating seniors Julia Dorey (Cole Harbour, NS), Claire Dempsey (Bathurst, NB) and manager Halle MacEwan (Northwest Cove, NS) before Friday's match.

Recap by Allan April / SMU Huskies Athletics
Photos by Mona Ghiz / SMU Huskies Athletics