Vikings hang on to 3-2 road win over Queens

Red Deer, AB – The visiting University of Alberta Augustana Vikings' early two goal lead was difficult for the RDC Queens to completely overcome Sunday afternoon. Despite some late pressure from the Queens, the Vikings hung on for a 3-2 decision.

The U of A Augustana Vikings applied some early pressure and came close to hitting the scoresheet first, 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, Kara 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. Bachelor of Science Nursing student Alisha Coules raced into the Vikings' zone and 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 connected 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. The Queens continued to apply pressure and it eventually paid off in the 83rd minute. Bachelor of Education Secondary student Natalie Frenette found the far side behind Newcombe which made it a 3-2 contest. The RDC Queens had a few late opportunities, including a partial break away, but they couldn't score the equalizer. The U of A Augustana Vikings finalized a 3-2 win.

Red Deer's Mikayla Fujimoto was named the Collegiate Sports Medicine Queens Player-of-the-Game. Calgary's Sydnee Dallyn was recognized for the Vikings.

On Saturday, October 5, the Vikings (4-3-0) will host the Queens (2-4-0) at 12:00 p.m.