2005 Esso Women's Nationals

Nova Scotia - 2 Newfoundland & Labrador -1

Round Robin
March 9, 2005
Sarnia, ON

Rittmaster Shines Against Newfoundland & Labrador
by Dwight Anderson
Sarniasports.com

Nova Scotia faced off against Newfoundland & Labrador Wednesday afternoon.  NL had their way with NS at last year’s Nationals winning by scores of 8-5 and 3-1.  It was evident that NL had their hands full this year.  NS outplayed NL in the first period.  NS’s hard work paid off when Melissa Welton spotted Kori Cheverier in the open.  Cheverier ripped a shot just inside the blue-line, catching the NL goaltender (Karen Quigley) by surprise for a 1-0 NS lead midway into the first period. The NL defense had an opportunity to shine late in the first period when they killed off a 5 on 3 NS power play.

Whatever jitters the NL squad had in the first period were gone in the second as they came out on fire but unable to find the twine.  NS kept up the strong play for end-to-end exciting action. Jennifer Toope played a key role on defense; foiling a NS breakaway early in the second period.  Karen Quigley (NL) made a spectacular save late in the second.  Seconds later she stoned the speedster Tara Dunn on a breakaway. The second period remained scoreless with NS taking a 1-0 lead into the third period.

NL dominated the play in the third period.  Robyn Rittmaster was standing on her head at times between the pipes for NS.  NL finally beat Rittmaster 5 minutes into the third when Joanne Eustace broke up the side, beat the NS defense, picking the corner to tie the game.  Victoria Thistle assisted on the Eustace goal.  Eustace was very dominent for the NL squad while Tara Dunn shined for NS.

NS responded a minute later when Ellen Wright out-muscled the NL defense in the slot to score.  Kimberly Carcary picked up the assist.  Wright’s goal was the game winner.  A remarkable goal considering her shoulder was dislocated in the previous game.

NF peppered the NS net in the last 10 minutes of the game, out-shooting NS 20-12 in the third period, but unable to beat Rittmaster.   Joanne Eustace was named Player of the Game for NL.  Robyn Rittmaster picked up the honors for NS for her heroics between the pipes.