Box Score
Edmonton - The University of Alberta Pandas hockey team erupted for three goals in the second period as they went on to defeat the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns 6-2, and snap a three game losing streak in the process.
Coming into Friday night's contest at Clare Drake Arena, the Pandas had suffered three straight one goal losses, including one in a shootout and one in overtime. But, against Lethbridge, the Pandas found their offence and recorded their highest goal total of the season so far. The win improves the Pandas to 5-2-2 in conference play.
The Pronghorns, meanwhile, slip to 3-4-2 on the season and have now lost two straight.
The two teams were neck and neck until the mid-point of the second period when Alberta two goals in two minutes and 27 seconds to take a commanding 4-2 lead into the third period. Sophomore winger Jessica Kampjes, winner of the Canada West Rookie of the Year award in 2012-13, paced the Pandas with a goal and two assists, while Deanna Morin, Katie Stewart, Alison Campbell, Jayden Skoye and Montanna Noyes all scored for Alberta as well. The Pandas scored on three of their seven power-play opportunities as well, while goalie Michala Jefferies made 14 saves for the win.
Morin got the Pandas on the board early, when she scored just three minutes and 50 seconds into the contest, but the 'Horns countered at 18:57 when Kirsten Reeves beat Jeffries.
Stewart, with her second of the year, restored Alberta's lead, with a PP tally, but Chelsea Minor tipped a slapshot from the blueline past Jeffries for the 2-2 score line just 10 minutes into the second period. The Pandas went ahead for good when Campbell scored in the 13
th minute, and Kampjes increased the advantage to 4-2 at 15:23 of the second.
Alberta's fifth goal was scored by Skoye, also her fifth of the season, this one coming on the power-play, and then Skoye set-up the Pandas' final tally, when Noyes scored a PP goal at 17:30 of the third period.
Alberta outshot Lethbridge 36-16 in the game, including 13-1 in the second period.
The two teams will play again on Saturday, this time with a 6:00 pm puck drop at Clare Drake Arena.
