The Battlers have played a few contests on snowy surfaces this spring and Varela helped pioneer a defensive charge for AB’s first victory, a non-conference triumph against Wilmington (DE).
Varela faced 40 total shots against Wilmington in a tight 12-8 final as AB moved into the win column.
The junior netminder made 16 saves for the Battlers; he already owned the single-game high for the season around the league with 23 stops vs. Lake Erie on March 17.
Varela made eight saves alone in the final period as Wilmington unleashed 16 shots trying to rally down the stretch. The Battlers defense held strong as the offense came through with four goals to help clinch the final.
Varela now has 62 saves on the season while serving as the primary goalkeeper for AB in four games started.