The women’s club hockey team took on Adrian College Bulldogs last weekend at home, splitting the weekend 1-1 with the loss being served in overtime. The Wildcats now sit sixth in the Central Collegiate Women’s Hockey Association (CCWHA) WD2 Division with a record of 5-6-1 through their first 12 games.
In the opening game, the Wildcats came out strong, seizing an early lead with three quick goals in the first period. Two goals would come from senior, Paris Wegleitner, and one from senior, Chloe Valente. This would keep the Bulldogs scoreless for the rest of the first.
As the second period progressed, the Bulldogs would eventually score quick back-to-back goals, making the score 3-2 in favor of the ‘Cats. Not soon after, Valente would storm down the side of the ice adding another goal for the Wildcats lead making the game 4-2. However, late in the period the Bulldogs would capitalize on a scramble in front net putting them within one as the period ended 4-3. The ‘Cats would continue to dominate as they would score two more goals, eventually topping the Bulldogs with a final score of 6-3. The goals would come from Cecelia Cunningham who potted her fourth of the season and Wegleitner who scored her third of the game and her second hat-trick of the season.
“It was good,” Wegleitner said. “It was just good overall as a team to get the points rolling again.”
The second game proved to be a closely contested match. Valente would score the first goal of the game on an easy rebound tap-in goal giving the ‘Cats an early 1-0 lead. Halfway through the period the ‘Cats would take a penalty that the Bulldogs would take advantage of, tying the game one a piece. The teams would stay deadlocked 1-1 after two close, and penalty filled periods.
As the third period began the Bulldogs would charge up the ice to score, putting them up 2-1. With seven minutes left in the period the Wildcats drove the puck into the zone as Valente scored her second of the game, tying up the score, eventually sending it to overtime. Ultimately the ‘Cats would fall to the Bulldogs with a final score of 2-3.
Penalties would serve as a challenge for the Wildcats over the weekend, as they accumulated a total 12 penalties, 10 of which came from the second game alone.
“Penalty minutes were a big factor in the second game. We had at least 20 minutes (PIMs) which is a whole period in the box,” Wegleitner said.
Sophomore Kristina Ligas chimed in on the team’s penalty struggles.
“Even if it’s a good penalty, you’re down a player on the ice,” Ligas said.
The Wildcats showed off their offensive firepower, giving them an opportunity to showcase the team’s depth and ability to step up when needed. Valente, who leads the team with 23 points in 12 games, emphasized team support and said she can always rely on her teammates.
”If I’m having an off day, I know someone’s gonna help set me up and we’ll work together and get the job done,” Valente said.
Ligas also supported the importance of team support. On or off the ice, we are all here for each other, Ligas said. It’s a positive, family-bonded team, and there’s a lot of good energy constantly going around.
As the Wildcats look to head into a long break, they look to stay active and improve during the pause in play.
“We’re actively trying to schedule more games,” Valente said. “We’re gonna try to implement workouts and make sure everyone’s staying active.”
Ligas focused on the team’s commitment to getting better, regardless of a break in play and said that the team is very committed, and always trying to get better.
”A break is good, but a long break. It’s not always the best,” Ligas said.
The Wildcats will look to take on Bowling Green State Falcons after their lengthy break. The Falcons are currently eighth in the CCWHA W2 division with a record of 3-5-0. Puck drop will be on Friday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 21, both at the home.
