Queens press but fall one short against Vikings
Brent Forster - RDC
Red Deer, AB – The RDC Queens came within inches of drawing even with the visiting University of Alberta Augustana Vikings on Sunday afternoon, but they couldn't get the equalizer. The Vikings benefited from a two goal lead by the 30th minute and despite a late push from the RDC Queens, the Vikings picked up a 3-2 decision.
The U of A Augustana Vikings came close to hitting the scoresheet in the early stages, bouncing a shot off the far post. Moments later they capitalized on a long strike. In the 19th minute, second-year Vikings striker Kara Strange fired a hard shot that sailed over Queens goalkeeper Alethea Riemer's outstretched hands for an early lead. Eleven minutes later, Strange recorded her second marker of the contest. The Physical Education student from Falun, Alberta, took a shot from the side and the ball deflected off a defender past Riemer to give the Vikings a 2-0 edge.
Before the end of the half, the RDC Queens reduced the gap by one. Natalie Frenette sent Bachelor of Science Nursing student Alisha Coules racing into the Vikings' zone and she beat goalkeeper Cassidy Newcombe on the left side of the net.
Early in the second half the U of A Augustana Vikings restored their two goal cushion. Physical Education student Anna Goulard put Augustana up 3-1 in the 48th minute.
Around the 70th minute, the Red Deer College Queens nearly climbed back within one but a free-kick bounced off the crossbar and remained out. The Queens continued to apply pressure and it eventually paid off. With seven minutes remaining, Bachelor of Education Secondary student Natalie Frenette found the far side behind Newcombe which made it a 3-2 contest.
Natalie Frenette
"I let Natalie Frenette use both sides to create a spark," says Queens Head Coach Esad Elkaz. "I'm pretty sure if we tied the game, we would win this game. It was so close."
The RDC Queens had a few late opportunities, including a partial break away from leading scorer Alisha Coules, but they couldn't even the game. The U of A Augustana Vikings finalized a 3-2 win.
"We had seven 100 per cent chances and scored two goals. They had three chances and scored three goals. It was one of those games. We couldn't finish. We dominated the game," says Elkaz. "We had possession, we had everything. I have to congratulate the girls. They had a good performance but we had no luck. That's all it is."
Red Deer's Mikayla Fujimoto was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game. Calgary's Sydnee Dallyn was recognized for the Vikings. The players of the game are sponsored by Collegiate Sports Medicine.
Mikayla Fujimoto
"That's the best game Mikayla played this season. She was (RDC) rookie of the year," says Elkaz. "She dominated. She controlled the middle. She passed the ball. She really played a great game today."
Riemer made five saves and Newcombe turned aside six shots.
On Saturday, October 5, the Vikings (4-3-0) will host the Queens (2-4-0) at 12:00 p.m. Then the RDC Queens will entertain the Ambrose University Lions (0-6-0) on Sunday, October 6 at noon at RDC Main Field.
This past Saturday's game against the SAIT Trojans is rescheduled for Wednesday, October 16 at noon in Calgary.