Panthers complete three-peat with thrilling shootout win over Dalhousie

By Thomas Becker 

The UPEI Panthers completed a stunning three-peat, capturing their third straight Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) championship with a dramatic 1-0 shootout win over the Dalhousie Tigers Sunday afternoon.

The two powerhouse teams, both finishing the regular season with identical undefeated 10-0-2 records, were destined to meet in the final after drawing twice during the regular season. But in the end, only one champion could emerge, and UPEI came up big when it mattered most.

"It's a surreal feeling. We knew it would be a tight, intense game, just as we expected," said Julie Hall, who stepped into the goalie spot this season after four years of playing defence. "From day one, our focus was locked on this championship, taking it one game at a time. It's amazing to see our hard work pay off in the end."

The match was a fiercely contested battle, remaining scoreless through regular time. UPEI came out as the aggressor, creating several promising chances. In the 14th minute, first-year standout Carly Acorn broke free from the last defender and nearly gave the Panthers the lead, but her shot went wide left. Eleven minutes later, UPEI found another opening, but Dalhousie goalkeeper Christina Stephens Weser made a critical save to maintain the deadlock.

Momentum shifted in the final 10 minutes as the Tigers began to assert themselves, especially after UPEI temporarily lost a player due to a green card suspension. Dalhousie peppered the Panthers' defence with opportunities, particularly off penalty corners, but Hall stood tall, making critical stops to keep the Tigers off the scoreboard.

With no goals in regular time and overtime, the match proceeded to a shootout. Even then, the two sides remained evenly matched, with the initial shootout ending in a 1-1 deadlock. However, league MVP Livi Lawlor showed her composure in the extra round, outmaneuvering Stephens Weser and sliding the ball into the net to give the Panthers the edge. 

"I was really nervous going into that second eight seconds, especially after missing my first attempt. I knew it could all come down to my shot and Julie's save, so I just tried not to let my nerves get the best of me," Lawlor said. "The play didn't go exactly as planned, but when I heard the ball hit the back of the boards, it was pure relief and happiness."

On Dalhousie's final attempt, Hall—who had only allowed three goals all season and was revelling in the cheers from the crowd—came up clutch, expertly denying Molly Doyle to clinch the championship victory for UPEI.

"Being a goalie in a shootout is definitely nerve-wracking. There's so much anticipation, knowing everything's on the line," Hall said. "I've practiced these situations a lot, but nothing compares to the pressure of the real moment. Making that final stop was such a huge relief, and sharing this moment with my teammates in my final year is something I'll never forget."

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek