Grand Rapids, Mich. – Growth doesn't always show up in the win column, and for the AQ Women's Hockey team, this weekend was a clear reminder of that truth. Despite a pair of losses to a much-improved Wyoming squad on Thursday night and Friday afternoon at Southside Ice Arena, the Saints continued to take meaningful steps forward, competing with confidence, resilience, and an unmistakable belief in the direction of the program. The effort level, structure, and response to adversity reflected a team learning how to play winning hockey together, laying important groundwork as the season pushes ahead.
Wyoming 5, Aquinas 2 (Thursday Night)
Thursday night's contest opened with Aquinas setting the tone early, matching Wyoming's physicality and pace shift-for-shift. The Saints struck first just over six minutes into the game, as Anna Castle finished an even-strength chance off a feed from Ireland Hosick to give AQ an early 1–0 lead. Strong early shifts from Cali Lindbeck, Paige Ike, and Bridgett Clay helped AQ establish forecheck pressure and limit clean zone entries. Wyoming responded later in the period to even the score, but the opening frame showcased a confident Aquinas group willing to attack and defend with purpose.
The middle period saw Wyoming gain momentum, capitalizing on sustained offensive-zone pressure to take a 2–1 advantage. Despite the deficit, the Saints remained composed, generating chances through the neutral zone from Reyna Dominczak, Ellie Wallace, and Sydney Clark. Defensively, Anna Sherman, Kate Kramm, and Joleena Manone logged important minutes, blocking shots and clearing rebounds. Goaltender Lila Dial was sharp throughout the night, turning aside 42 shots and keeping AQ within striking distance.
In the third period, Aquinas continued to battle and pulled within one goal when Dominczak buried a well-placed shot late in the game, finishing a strong sequence created by Wallace and Clay. Late energy from Kaylee Daigle, Elizabeth Bruso, and Lorelei Weinrick helped fuel AQ's push in the final minutes. The Saints pressed for the equalizer, but Wyoming added two late goals to seal the contest. Despite the result, the effort, discipline, and compete level reflected a team making noticeable strides.
Wyoming 6, Aquinas 2 (Friday Afternoon)
Friday afternoon's rematch featured another determined start from the Saints, who matched Wyoming's energy throughout a tightly contested first period. Aquinas generated quality looks from Hosick, Lindbeck, and Clark, while Ike and Sherman anchored a disciplined defensive effort. Despite AQ's strong structure, Wyoming broke through late in the opening frame to take a 1–0 lead.
The second period highlighted AQ's special teams and continued growth. After Wyoming extended the lead, the Saints responded on the power play as Manone rifled home her first goal of the season, assisted by Castle, cutting the deficit to 3–1. The goal energized the Aquinas bench, with Dominczak, Wallace, and Bruso creating additional offensive-zone pressure shifts. Kramm and Sherman continued to be steady presences on the blue line, limiting second-chance opportunities.
In the third period, Aquinas once again showed resilience, as Weinrick scored a shorthanded goal to bring the Saints within two and spark another push. Hosick, Clark, and Daigle helped sustain momentum with strong puck battles and smart line changes. Goaltender Izzy Buckett was outstanding between the pipes, making 54 saves while facing constant pressure. Although Wyoming added insurance goals late, Aquinas continued to skate, defend, and compete until the final horn, showcasing a team that refuses to fold under adversity.
Inside the Numbers (All Games)
• Aquinas received goals from six different Saints over the two games
• AQ goaltenders combined for 96 saves across the weekend
• The Saints scored both power-play and shorthanded goals on Friday
• Aquinas held Wyoming scoreless for extended stretches in both contests
• Multiple underclassmen recorded points, highlighting continued growth
Coach's Comment
Following Friday's game, Director of Hockey Operations Brandon Rozema spoke about the effort of the women's hockey team and the bigger picture:
"These results don't erase the progress this team is making. Our effort, structure, and belief in each other are improving every day. This group brings the right mindset to the rink, and if we keep trusting the process, the results will follow."
Up Next
The Saints will have a full week of practice ahead before traveling north to Traverse City for a pair of games Friday and Saturday in the Cherry Capital of the World. Be sure to check AQSaints.com over the break for full stats, notes, previews, and postgame recaps.
