QUEEN’S University got their Ulster Denman Shield campaign off to a winning start as they beat EYHL rivals Pegasus.
This was the second meeting between the two sides this season, with Queen’s having now completed a league and cup double over their local rivals.
Lucy McKee had given Pegasus the lead when she received the ball along the Queen’s byline before flicking her effort over the diving goalkeeper to open the scoring.
However, Jenna McCarlie drew the students’ level when she picked out the bottom corner with her reverse strike from the top of the circle.
Adam Louden’s side then completed their comeback when they were awarded a penalty corner, with Megan Cochrane’s reverse deflection giving her side a 2-1 lead.
With the goal coming just a couple of minutes from the end of time, Pegasus were unable to find a route back into the tie and Queen’s University assumed control of the group.
In Pool B, Larne also got their competition off to a winning start as they beat Ballymoney 2-1 in an all-Premier League affair.
Selina Lewis struck twice from penalty corners to seal the win for Larne, despite a consolation effort from Ballymoney’s Anna Wright.
The win ends a run of five straight losses for the side and also seals their first win since they beat Ballymoney by the same scoreline, but in league action back in early October.
Meanwhile, for Ballymoney, the result marks an eighth loss in nine games this season, with the side also second from bottom in the Legacy Wealth Management Premier League.
As the only two sides in the group, the sides will meet once more in January for a place in the semi-finals where they will face the winners of Pool D.
The competition will resume this weekend with three EYHL versus Premier League matchups scheduled.
