Cardinals fend off Seahawks

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – The Wesleyan women's hockey team (1-2-0) edged Salve Regina 3-2 in its home opener on Tuesday evening. The Seahawks (1-6-0) scored twice in the third to cut the deficit to one, but Wesleyan was able to hang on to earn its first win of the season. It was the 14th meeting between the two teams, as the Cardinals extended their win streak to four-straight against the Seahawks to knot the series at seven victories apiece.   

HIGHLIGHTS:

·      Wesleyan got on the board with 6:10 expired in the first period. Allie Damren lifted the puck up the right boards to Audrey McMahon, before McMahon found the back of the goal for the 1-0 edge.

·      The Seahawks had a chance for the equalizer at the 16:48 mark during a power play, but Cardinal netminder Sam Smith thwarted the opportunity.

·      Wesleyan's Sophia Marra increased the lead at the 18:12 mark when she stole the puck in transition, before tucking it inside the left pipe for the 2-0 advantage heading into intermission.

·      Out of the break, the Seahawks looked to take advantage of a breakaway opportunity, but Grace Schwartz's attempt at the 5:36 mark was denied by Wesleyan's Smith.

·      The Cardinals increased the advantage to 3-0 with 17:58 expired in the second when McMahon intercepted a pass in transition, before lifting the puck over goaltender Madiso Jalbert glove side for her second tally of the game.  

·      Salve Regina cut the deficit to 3-1 just 50 seconds into the final frame on a power play. Lexie Anderson's initial shot was thwarted by Smith, but Anderson was there to sneak the rebound inside the right pipe.

·      The Seahawks continued with offensive pressure, scoring with 12:50 expired in the third. Schwartz's initial shot was denied, but the puck came loose and Jillian Egan was there to one-time it in to make it 3-2.

·      Wesleyan clamped down in the final 7:10 of play, allowing just one shot by Salve Regina to hang on for the victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

·      Smith earned the win between the pipes with 15 saves, while Jalbert recorded 37 stops in 59:47 of play.

·      Wesleyan held a 40-17 advantage in shots.