By Charlie Crowley, Sports Editor

Courtesy of Andris Visockis

The Aquinas’ women’s hockey team recently split a weekend set against the University of Notre Dame. The Saints lost the first game 6-5, but exacted revenge on the Irish 3-1 in game two.

After a successful inaugural campaign, the Saints currently hold a record of 8-9-2, and boasts a 6-2-1 record in their conference, the Central Collegiate Women’s Hockey Association.

The team’s win against the Irish helped close the door on a six game winless streak, their first win since November 20 against the University of Michigan-Flint. The squad has been streaky this year, starting the season off with a tie and a win against The Ohio State University, before embarking on a four game losing streak, a six game winning streak, and the six game winless streak they just ended. As of the second ranking period, the team currently sits fourth in the ACHA West.

Over the course of the team’s season, the Saints have had no trouble putting up points. They currently rank third in goals in ACHA division II with 97, and have a +17 differential, only giving up 80 so far this year. Senior forward Marlowe Pentecost currently paces the Saints with 35 points (24 goals, 11 assists). RIght behind her is sophomore forward Isabelle Piotrowski with 32 points of her own (14 goals, 18 assists). Both have played all 19 games this season, and their statistical totals are good for  sixth and seventh highest scorers in the nation. On the blue line, sophomore Maria Manko has posted 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) to lead the charge on defense.

After a year as the team’s lone goaltender, sophomore Holly Ensley has gotten some rest with the addition of freshman goalie Caitlin Miller. Ensley has still commandeered the goal for the most part, playing in 13 games and posting a 5-6-1 record. she currently holds a save percentage of .889 and a goals against average of 4.09. Miller has seen action in nine games, pulling a .854 save percentage and goals against average of 3.99. Her current record stands at 3-3-1.

With six games left in the season, the Saints will look to ride a wave of success to close out the regular season before gearing up for playoffs. The Saints face off next against the Bulldogs of Adrian College at home on January 27 at 8 p.m. They then have two game sets against conference foe Michigan State and also Midland Lutheran College. Be sure to follow the Saints as they look to win out the rest of their season.

About the writer:

Charlie Crowley is a senior studying political science and journalism.He is The Saint‘s Sports Editor. He spends most of his time sleeping, eating, and on Reddit. He’s also a Hoosier, and proud of it, but can’t hit the open three to save his life.