REDS Earn Weekend Sweep After Convincing Win Over Panthers

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PE) The UNB REDS delivered another masterful performance, sweeping aside the UPEI Panthers in the two-game weekend series. Saturday evening's showdown, culminating in a decisive 81-61 victory, set the stage for another stellar performance by Jayda Veinot (Port Williams, NS).

With unmatched finesse and a display of sheer dominance, Veinot once again headlined the win, as the veteran forward notched a double-double with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds. She also added four assists, two blocks, and a steal.

"Jayda really led us today with some tough finishes through contact as well as finding her teammates," said UNB head coach Erin McAleenan. 

Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON) finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.

"I thought Katie stepped up today and did a great job of finishing through contact and controlling the boards. Great way to start the first weekend back after the break," said McAleenan.

Fellow starter Kylee Speedy (Fredericton, NB) scored 11 points with three assists, while Leah Travers (Calgary, AB) connected on four triples for 12 points off the bench.

For the Panthers, Devon Lawlor (Millcove, PE) showed off her shooting touch with six three-pointers for a team-high 18 points. Lauren Rainford (Toronto, ON) finished with 15 points and six assists, while Grace Lancaster (Fall River, NS) had 11 with five steals. 

After yesterday's disappointing result, the Panthers (5-6) came out strong and relied heavily on the three-point shot, as all six field goals came from beyond the arc. Lawlor was at the centre of the barrage, drilling 4-of-6 for 12 points, and was the reason why UPEI took the quarter 22-20.

From then on, the offense stalled completely, and the REDS (9-1) took full advantage. After Butts opened the second with a jumper to tie at 22, Travers connected on a triple to give her team the lead 25-22.

The Panthers struggled that quarter, shooting just 20 percent, which allowed the REDS to pad their lead. Near the end of the half, Veinot scored eight of her team's final 10 points, as UNB went into the break ahead 48-38.

Veinot continued to shine offensively in the third quarter, drilling a three-pointer before driving hard to the basket for a layup to make it 56-40 3:21 into the frame.

"I thought we responded really well in the third quarter after a slow start in the first half," said McAleenan. "We really picked up our defense to limit their open uncontested threes and second-chance opportunities."

Moments later, Kylee Speedy pushed the lead to 20 on a layup. The lead would eventually grow to 30 on two made free throws from Speedy, as the UNB went into the fourth comfortably ahead 71-43.

With the game well in hand, the REDS went to their bench midway through the quarter and easily came away with the 81-61 win.

The Panthers look to get back in the win column next Saturday when they host the Cape Breton Capers.

The REDS return home to take on the Dalhousie Tigers on Friday, Jan. 12 at 6:00 pm at UNB's Richard J. CURRIE CENTER.

RECAP BY: Thomas Becker/UPEI Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Janessa Vanden Broek/for UPEI Athletics