Traverse City, Mich. – The Saints took a trip up to Traverse City this weekend to compete in the ACHA Women's Hockey Traverse City Showdown. Aquinas kicked off the event last night (Jan. 20) with a matchup against the Michigan State Spartans. The Spartans got out to an early lead to start the game while AQ failed to get a foothold in the matchup. MSU ran away with the matchup and won the game 4-0.

Aquinas moves to 7-8 on the season with a 5-4 CCWHA conference record.

Michigan State got out to an early lead after scoring just one minute and one second into the first period. That goal was the lone highlight of the first period as neither side managed to generate much offense throughout the period. MSU was awarded a 5-3 opportunity to end the first period but was unable to get the puck into the back of the AQ net.

The Spartans held an 11-3 shots on net advantage and took that 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Period number two ensued and both teams picked up the offensive side of the game. However, once again, the Spartans would be the ones to score in the second period to take a 2-0 lead. AQ had one power play chance and MSU had two throughout the second period. Despite the good scoring opportunities, neither side managed to capitalize with any of its respective power plays.

Michigan State held an advantage in shots on net during the second period as well, leading 17-11.

The third period didn't fair better for Aquinas as Michigan state extended its lead to three goals early in the period. With the clock winding down, Aquinas received a power play off of a Michigan State penalty. However, the Saints were unable to generate much offense during the power play with MSU maintaining its 3-0 advantage. Following a late power play, the Spartans managed to score on more goal with just over a minute on the clock.

The game ended with MSU taking home a 4-0 win. Michigan State outshot the Saints 45-24. Ashley Suske started in net for Aquinas and saved 41 of the 45 shots on net for a .911 save percentage. This result was Suske's first loss of the season as she moves to 3-1 on the year.

Aquinas will wrap up the Traverse City Showcase with a matchup against Lake Superior State tomorrow (Jan. 22) at 1:00 PM.