Reds earn season sweep of Panthers following convincing win

By Thomas Becker

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. The all-star also added four assists, two blocks and a steal.

Katie Butts (Ottawa, ON) finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while fellow starter Kylee Speedy (Fredericton, NB) scored 11 with three assists. Leah Travers (Calgary, AB) connected on four triples for 12 points off the bench.

For the Panthers (5-6), 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 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 offence 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 per cent, 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. Moments later, Kylee Speedy pushed the lead to 20 on a layup. That 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 Friday night.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek