SMU ranked second, Dal third ahead of playoffs
Despite their first game ending in a scoreless tie, Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s looked to move beyond the passive playing style they put forth in their first meeting when they faced off Oct. 26 at Huskies Stadium. In the end, only the Huskies were truly successful, winning the game 1 – 0 to take three points and jump past the Tigers to second place in the standings.
In the first half the offence was flowing from both sides. The deadlock was solved in the 44th minute when Dal’s defenders, attempting to clear yet another long ball into the box, botched the play, letting Lindsay Millet score off a header.
With eyes set on earning a playoff bye, the Tigers immediately took to the offensive in response. Sending the ball up the wing to Biannca Jakisa, Dal created several strong opportunities in the final half. Tigers captain Rieka Santilli added several more chances but was unable to get within scoring range. After hitting the crossbar a couple more times and being robbed on a number of outlandishly difficult saves, the Tigers left the stadium to defeat.
After Wednesday’s loss, Dal was set for their season finale opposite an easier Acadia squad. Although the Axewomen were winless going in, they had come off a successful game against UPEI in which they managed to scrounge a 2 – 2 tie versus the first place team.
Continuing a season theme for Tigers’ home games, this past Sunday boasted cold temperatures, high winds and pouring rain. Dal’s women persevered to take the final three points and end the season with a 1 – 0 win.
The Tigers close the season in third place with a 9-3-1 standing.
Reverting to a conservative style of play, the Tigers did not come out with as strong an offence as they hoped. By controlling the ball through the middle, Dal was able to bring the ball into relatively good scoring areas multiple times, but were unable to score in the first.
The start of the second half marked a change in the Tigers: aggressive play. The spark had little effect on the scoreboard until the 72nd minute when Santilli placed a strong shot just under the crossbar. Although the Tigers almost added to the score on several occasions, the Axewomen held strong to only allow one goal.
The Tigers play the host UNB Varsity Reds in the quarterfinals Nov. 4 at the AUS championship. The only occasion Dal played UNB this year ended in a 4 – 0 triumph for the black and gold.
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