By Evan Doan, Sports Editor
Paige Ike celebrates goal vs Saginaw Valley – Photo by Aquinas Women’s Hockey
Aquinas women’s hockey earned their first win of the season against Saginaw Valley State on Oct. 9. This was also head coach Taelynn Otte’s first collegiate win. The Saints looked to bounce back after a tough weekend against Eastern Michigan the week prior.
The Saints dominated from the opening faceoff. After killing off an early penalty the Saints began to pepper the Cardinal goalie. Aquinas fired 25 shots in the opening period, multiple shots hit the post and rebounds were present, but quickly cleared away by Cardinal defenders. The Saints however were unable to push one past the goal line. Fifth year goalie Izzy Bucket would turn away all three shots she faced in the frame.
Aquinas broke through in the second period. Sophomore Lorelei Weinrick scored just two minutes into the period. Sophomore Joleena Manone doubled the Saint lead two minutes later. Senior Paige Ike added another score six minutes into the period before Manone added her second 52 seconds later.
Freshman Mackenzie Sebenaler and Weinrick found the back of the net later in the period as the Saints headed into the second intermission with a 6-0. Bucket and sophomore Kaylee Daigle each faced two shots and saved them both.
Caitlyn Wright plays the puck – Photo by Aquinas Women’s Hockey
Sophomore Jax Graham scored eight minutes into the third period and freshman Adeline O’Rourke added the final tally with seven minutes to play. Daigle stopped the final two Cardinal shots to secure the shutout for the Saints.
“This game really helped with the team’s confidence,” Weinrick said. “It showed in our games against Purdue [Northwest] that we have the confidence to battle late in close games.”
The Saints look to get back into the win column after a tough weekend against Purdue Northwest. They play Lawrence Tech on the road in Southfield, MI Friday Oct. 23. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
