Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Byron Center, Mich. — The Aquinas women's hockey team took on the Grand Valley State University Lakers in a two-game series on Friday and Saturday (Jan. 26 & 27). The Saints traveled to Griff's Georgetown for the first match and made way for Southside Ice Arena the following day for the second. AQ went on a spree claiming both matches, outscoring GVSU 8-3 in total. 

Aquinas is now 3-12-1 on the season.

Aquinas 5, Grand Valley 2

The first period was a back and forth as both teams battled for control. The period looked to finish at a draw but the Lakers tallied two goals with just over two minutes remaining. 

The second period mimicked the first as both teams struggled to get past each others defense. But Aquinas found a key to the lock and tallied two scores. Reyna Dominczak tagged in a pass from Alyssa Exline with under five minutes to go. While Kate Kramm joined the spotlight with an assist from Anna Castle with just over two minutes remaining.

The rest of the period went scoreless.

From the time of the Saints claimed their first goal Aquinas took over. AQ started off the third period with a goal after just 31 seconds. This time Exline collected a pass from Dominczak. Dominczak showed to have more gas in the tank as she then claimed another assist on a goal from Cali Lindbeck less than two minutes later. 

AQ was now up 4-2, GV had to pick up the pace. The Lakers kept the Saints at bay for much of the remainder of play. But Dominczak couldn't go without getting of the action, as she cranked in a pass from Kramm with just seven second left. Soon after, the horn sounded and the score board read 5-2. Giving Aquinas their well earned victory and snapping their streak.

By the Numbers

Dominczak stamped four total points with two goals and two assists. As Exline and Kramm collected two total points.

Goalie Kadynce Romijn faced 24 shots and allowed two. While the Saints totaled 35 shots against GVSU.

Aquinas 3, Grand Valley 1

AQ was back in action the next afternoon (Jan. 27) this time at Southside Ice Arena. Coming off of a well deserved win, Aquinas looked to keep the momentum rolling. The first period mirrored the night previous as no team managed their way into the back of the net. The Saints must have had a spare key from the first night as they struck first with 7:21 remaining in the first period. Reyna Dominczak found the back of the net with a combination pass from Maeva Lichtensteiger and Alyssa Exline. AQ hustled to advance their lead as the Lakers raced to find an answer to the Aquinas goal.

No team tallied a score for the remainder of the first.

AQ had an energy on the ice as they led GV. The second period flew by as both teams once again struggled to find an answer to the defense. In time the Saints notched another goal as Lichtensteiger found Jenna Blackwell in front of the net on a power play, giving AQ a two goal advantage with 12:16 to go.

But the Saints were hot as Anna Castle claimed a goal less than a minute later with an assist from Kylie Rancilio.

Now AQ was up 3-0 against the Lakers of GVSU with still a period and a half to play. 

Aquinas now had the dream of a shutout victory. But those dreams came to a close as the Lakers found their first answer with 2:23 left on the clock. The period went scoreless for the remainder.

Both teams tried to find an edge in the third. Aquinas looking to extend their lead, while the Lakers had hopes of coming back. The third period was active but saw no additional scoring. 

The final horn sounded a 3-1 victory for the Saints, and a two-game win streak. This win also marks the Saints first home victory this season.

By the Numbers

Lichtensteiger continues to prove she is a great addition for the Saints as she had two assists.

Aquinas was out shot 53-39 but keeper Kadynce Romijn managed to ward off a staggering 52. Giving her a .9811 save rating.

Up Next

AQ returns to the ice Friday (Feb. 2) with a 9:00 p.m. home contest against the Cardinals of Concordia.