Box Score Byron Center, Mich. — The Aquinas women's hockey team faced off this evening with the #4 Michigan Wolverines. AQ poked a goal in first while also shutting out the Wolverines in the first period. Michigan answered the deficit and plus one in the second period. The Wolverines went on to net two more goals in the third. Establishing their lead and the finish at 4-1.
As the puck dropped in the first, the Saints shot off like they were in sprinters blocks. The first minutes of the contest were indeed contested, but the Saints started the night with stunning the Wolverines by striking first with 12:18 remaining in the first period.
Alyssa Exline caught a pass from
Reyna Dominczak and placed it passed the keeper. The Saints rejoiced and continued their contested play style. The Wolverines looked to dig in and find an equalizer but the horn blared before they managed to. AQ headed to the locker room with a 1-0 lead over the #4 Michigan Wolverines.
The second period did not reflect the first. The Wolverines seemed to turn the dial to 11 and took absolute control of the match. Due to Michigan's faster play, the Saints played defense for the majority of the period. The Wolverines finally found their equalizer at 6:58, then found an additional goal at 2:18. The period came to a close with Michigan taking control and the lead. The Wolverines had a staggering 42 shots, while AQ had one.
As the teams returned from the intermission heading into the third period the tension hung in the air as the Saints were just one point away from the #4 Wolverines. But the third period is where Michigan dug their claws in the ice and separated themselves from the Saints. Michigan tallied two more goals in the period, both being power plays. The maize and blue tapped in their goals at 16:14, and 13:02. The Saints came close to tagging in another goal but Michigan's keeper fended Aquinas's attempts at the line.
The final horn blared signaling the end of regulation. Michigan took the victory at Southside 4-1. AQ put on a great showing but had difficulty staying out of the penalty box, as Aquinas racked up 11 total penalties while Michigan had one.
Senior goal keeper
Kadynce Romijn put on a showing by only allowing four goals out of Michigan's 89 total shots (.955%).
The ladies will be back in action Friday (Dec. 1) taking on UM-Dearborn with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop back at Southside Ice Arena.
