SOFIA - The U18 national women's team played the fifth and final match of its World Championship campaign in Division 2 Group B in Bulgaria's capital Sofia today, January 14th. Opponent in this final match of the Worlds was Team Mexico.
It were the Mexicans who took the lead in the first period. Rebeca Andrada Castro (#(5) is able to outsmart Anouk Belmans (#25) in the last minute of the first period, allowing Mexico to take the lead.
However, at the start of the second period, Linnore Saunders (#9) sets the score straight with the equalizer. The Belgian Blades are back in the match! And how, barely two minutes later Loïs Miller (#10) drills the puck past goalie Nicole Duenas (#1).
The Belgians start the final period with a 1-2 lead. However, that quickly comes to an end when Sempels (#22) is sent to the penalty bench for two minutes for hooking. The Mexicans take full advantage of the power play and score the equalizer. Midway through the period, however, Louise Paulissen brings the Belgian Blades back into the lead with a goal, assisted by Sommerschuh (#18) and Wagemans (#8). With two minutes left on the clock, Ans Van Hoof (#14) seals the Mexicans' fate with a fourth goal for the Belgian Blades! With this victory, the Belgian Blades take bronze!
Final Score: MEX vs. BEL: 2-4 (1-0; 0-2; 1-2)
MVP Team BEL: Loïs Miller (#10)
Best Goalie of the tournament: Anouk Belmans (#25/BEL)
Results
08.01 – 19:00 - BEL vs. BUL: 1-0
09.01 – 15:30 – BEL vs. ISL: 0-1
11.01 – 12:00 – BEL vs. RSA: 13-0
13.01 – 19:00 - NZL vs. BEL: 2-5
14.01 – 19:00 – MEX vs. BEL: 2-4