Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Nobody said it was going to be easy. For the 2025-26 AQ Women's Hockey team, the challenges of learning Coach Emma Hoch's system while building their legs through a brutal early-season schedule have made for a demanding stretch. This weekend, the Saints headed north to Sault Ste. Marie for a two-game set against a seasoned Lake Superior State squad — and although the results weren't what the team hoped for, there were flashes of determination, heart, and growth along the way.

Saturday, October 4, 2025 @ Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Lake Superior 8, Aquinas 0

Aquinas battled hard through the opening frame, anchored by goaltenders Trista Tracy and Izzy Buckett, who combined for 56 saves against a relentless Laker attack. Paige Ike and Sydney Clark each showed grit on the penalty kill, blocking shooting lanes and staying aggressive at the blue line. Defensive stalwarts Joleena Manone and Kate Kramm logged key minutes, helping limit second-chance rebounds. Despite the scoreline, the Saints continued to compete every shift, gaining valuable ice time and building chemistry that will pay dividends later this season.

Sunday, October 5, 2025 @ Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Lake Superior 6, Aquinas 0

The Saints came out with renewed energy in Sunday's rematch, holding the Lakers scoreless through much of the first period before fatigue set in. Goalie Izzy Buckett once again stood tall in net, facing a heavy workload and keeping AQ within striking distance with several strong glove saves. Senior defenseman Anna Sherman and sophomore Reyna Dominczak were active in clearing traffic from in front of the crease, while forwards Bridget Clay and Anna Castle created a handful of offensive rushes late in the game. Though Lake Superior pulled away in the final two frames, the Saints left the U.P. with a better sense of defensive structure and team identity.

Inside the Numbers (Weekend Totals)

•      Goaltending tandem of Trista Tracy and Izzy Buckett combined for 116 total saves over the two-game stretch.
•      Nine different skaters for Aquinas registered shots on goal across the series.
•      Aquinas penalty kill held Lake Superior to just one power-play goal in seven opportunities.
•      Defensive corps led by Ike, Manone, and Kramm blocked a combined 10+ shots over the weekend.
•       The Saints continue to emphasize discipline, taking only three penalties across both contests.

Coaches' Comment

Head Coach Emma Hoch reflected on the long trip and the early-season learning curve:
"These are the weekends that test your resolve as a team. Traveling that far and playing a fast, experienced opponent like Lake State is tough, but it's also how you grow. We're still finding our rhythm and learning how to play within our system for a full 60 minutes. I'm proud of how our players stayed positive, supported each other, and kept battling — that's the foundation we're building on."

Up Next

The AQ women's hockey team will travel to Ann Arbor to face the University of Michigan Wolverines on Thursday at 8:30 PM, before returning home Sunday for a 5:40 PM puck drop against Grand Valley State at Patterson Ice Arena. Full stats, notes, and recaps will be available at AQSaints.com — stay tuned for coverage as the Saints continue to grind through their challenging early-season stretch.