Grand Rapids, Mich. — It would be an understatement to say the first part of the 2025-26 AQ Women's Hockey season has been challenging. Injuries, a short bench, a quirky rule about roster players under 18, and a brutal early-season schedule for a roster consisting of 11 freshmen on a team of eighteen have demanded patience and perspective. Growth, cohesion, and support remain the priorities, and despite the results, flashes of progress were evident over the weekend at Southside Ice Arena as the Saints battled the Nittany Lions of Penn State in a two-game set.

Penn State 9, Aquinas 1 (Friday Night)
Friday night saw Aquinas tested early and often by a deep and experienced Penn State squad. The Nittany Lions struck first midway through the opening period and steadily built momentum as the game wore on.

Despite the score sheet, the Saints continued to compete shift by shift, relying heavily on a young lineup in extended defensive-zone situations. Reyna Dominczak provided a bright spot late in the second period, capitalizing on a power-play opportunity to put Aquinas on the board with an unassisted tally, her first goal of the season. Izzy Buckett faced constant pressure in net, turning aside a barrage of shots while working behind a defense featuring Anna Sherman, Paige Ike, and Kate Kramm. Ireland Hosick logged heavy minutes on the blue line, battling physically against Penn State's top forwards. Up front, Bridget Clay, Sydney Clark, and Cali Lindbeck worked to generate forecheck pressure, while Anna Castle anchored the middle of the ice.

Though Penn State pulled away in the third period, Aquinas continued to skate hard through the final horn. The night served as a learning experience for a Saints group still finding its identity against elite club competition.

Penn State 4, Aquinas 2 (Saturday Afternoon)
Saturday afternoon told a much different story, as Aquinas showed clear growth and resilience in a tightly contested rematch. The Saints responded to an early Penn State goal with confidence, as Sydney Clark evened the score late in the first period with an unassisted finish, her first net-finder of the season and her college career.

Aquinas carried that momentum into the second period, matching Penn State's pace and limiting quality chances in front of Buckett. After Penn State briefly regained the lead, Lorelei Weinrick answered with a strong even-strength goal off an assist from Reyna Dominczak to pull AQ within one.

The Saints' defensive structure was markedly improved, with Joleena Manone, Kaylee Daigle, and Ellie Wallace helping clear lanes and disrupt scoring chances. Buckett was outstanding between the pipes, stopping 49 shots and keeping Aquinas within striking distance throughout. Bridget Clay, Anna Castle, and Ireland Hosick played key roles on special teams, while Sydney Clark and Cali Lindbeck continued to pressure Penn State's defense on the forecheck.

A late empty-net, power-play goal for the Nittany Lions proved to be the difference, but Aquinas never stopped pushing until the final buzzer. The effort reflected a team growing more comfortable together and more confident in its systems.

Inside the Numbers (All Games)
     • Aquinas improved from allowing nine goals Friday to four goals Saturday
     • Izzy Buckett recorded a combined 115 saves over the two-game series
     • The Saints scored two even-strength goals and one power-play goal on the weekend
     • Aquinas cut its goals-against average by more than half from Friday to Saturday
     • Eleven freshmen logged significant minutes across both games
     • AQ had two players (Reyna Dominczak & Sydney Clark) score their 1^st goal of the season

Coach's Comment
Following Saturday's game, Director of Hockey Operations Brandon Rozema, sitting in for Coach Emma Hoch, had this to say about the Saints:
"I couldn't be prouder of the response from this group. Friday was tough, but the way they came back Saturday, especially defensively in front of Bucky (Izzy Buckett), shows how much this team is growing in and banding together. The effort, communication, and commitment were night-and-day, and that's a big step forward for a very young team."

Up Next
The Saints will have an opportunity to rest, recalibrate, and enjoy some Christmas cheer before opening the winter semester with another home two-game series, this time against the Wyoming Cowboys. Be sure to check AQSaints.com over the break for full stats, notes, previews, and post-game recaps.