Fetch and Queens' balanced offensive attack hand Griffins first loss

Brent Forster - RDC with information from Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics

Edmonton, AB – The Queens' special teams, balanced scoring and a superb performance from goaltender Karlee Fetch all played roles in handing the MacEwan Griffins their first loss. Four different goal scorers helped lead the RDC Queens to a 4-2 victory on Saturday night at the Downtown Community Arena.

"They lost to a great Red Deer team who had a great game tonight," says Griffins Head Coach Lindsay McAlpine.

Karlee Fetch made 39 saves and the Queens played a tight defensive style that frustrated the Griffins all evening.

"Fetch played outstanding. She made a couple critical saves at the end when we had a 6-on-4 opportunity and they blocked a ton of shots," says McAlpine. 

"Red Deer always plays hard. It was a well-deserved win for them."

The Queens solved Natalie Bender 5:57 into the first period when Tyra Anderson, a Bachelor of Science student, scored on the power play. Captain Kirsten Baumgardt and Ashley Sutherland had the assists.

Sydnee Decorby (14)

The Griffins tied it seven minutes later when Jessi Rampton tipped Kyrelle Skoye's shot past Fetch.

RDC regained the lead in the second period on another power play goal, this time by Red Deer's Avery Lajeunnesse. Mary Hirsch recorded the lone assist.

Shyla Jans replied with a man-advantage marker of her own, tying it 2-2 by chipping a rebound past Fetch.

The Queens scored twice in the third period. Avery Lajeunnesse set up Carissa Hogan at 10:13. Then about five minutes later, RDC's Brooklyn Rowley scored an insurance goal and the Queens earned a 4-2 road win. Jessi-Lynn Sumaling had the helper.

Karlee Fetch was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game. Jessi Rampton received the award for the Griffins.

Karlee Fetch (1)

The Queens went two-for-four on the power play. The Griffins connected on one out of eight opportunities.

On Friday, November 8, the second place RDC Queens (5-1-0-0) will play the NAIT Ooks (4-2-0-0) in Edmonton at 7:00 p.m.