Byron Center, Mich. — Saturday (Nov. 11) the women's ice hockey team took on the Minnesota Gophers ACHA ice hockey club team. Aquinas came off the draw hot and took the lead. But the flames came to die out as the Gophers took control and won the game 3-1.

The Saints started the game by outpacing the visiting Gophers, taking the offensive and holding the contest on the Gopher's side of the ice. Due to the pressure Minnesota went on to commit a hooking penalty, resulting with a Gopher headed to the box. AQ took advantage of the numbers and Kylie Rancilio pierced the net just five seconds into the power play. Rancilio was assisted by Lauryn Wood and Cali Lindbeck. This was a swift start by the Saints especially considering that it was their first shot and it resulted in a goal.

After allowing the goal, the Gophers went on to tighten their play and would go on to take over the game. Minnesota came to answer the point deficit three minutes later, leveling the game at 1-1. Due to the Gophers change in attack, the Saints were held at two shots for the first period, while Minnesota had 23. The remainder of the first went scoreless.

The Gophers must have taken notes as this time they were the ones who started off the period fast. Minnesota pierced the net for the second time just past 30 seconds into the second period. The Saints attempted to hold the Gophers at bay and they did. But Minnesota continued to peck at the AQ defense and broke through with another score with just less than four minutes remaining in the period. And due to their roster size Minnesota continued to outpace the Saints. The Gophers continued their dominance with 31 total shots, while holding Aquinas to three. The second period came to a close, with a 3-1 Minnesota lead.

The third period resembled the second, but the Saints held the Gophers at the line. Aquinas managed some breakaway attempts but were unable to strike true. The third period went scoreless, with Minnesota at 22 shots and AQ with three. Minnesota takes the victory at Southside 3-1. 

Aquinas is back in action on Saturday (Nov. 18) at 7:30 p.m. back at Southside Ice Arena. The Saints will be hosting the Michigan ACHA Club Team.