NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The Adrian College WD2 hockey team hit the road to Aurora University for a two game conference series with the Bulldogs taking the 3-2 victory Friday evening and falling 4-0 Saturday evening.
Friday evening, the Bulldogs struck first just over three minutes into the opening period when sophomore Akeeliah Graham finished a setup from senior Devon Cavaliere and sophomore Gabrielle Paff to give Adrian an early 1–0 lead. Aurora answered later in the period, tying the game at one heading into the first intermission. Both teams traded goals again in the second period. Adrian briefly took momentum with their second goal when Cavaliere found the back of the net, but Aurora responded at the 17:08 mark. The Bulldogs continued to pressure offensively, outshooting Aurora in the frame. Adrian wasted no time in the third period, scoring just 51 seconds in as junior Aubrey Morrison netted the eventual game-winner off assists from Paff and junior Ella Zebley. The Bulldogs then locked down defensively, holding Aurora scoreless the rest of the way. In net, junior Emily Tracht earned the win for Adrian, stopping 33 of 35 shots in a strong 60-minute performance. The Bulldogs finished with a 58–35 advantage in shots on goal, applying consistent pressure throughout the contest.
Saturday evening, Aurora opened the scoring early in the first period, striking just 1:48 into the game to take a 1–0 lead. Despite a strong opening frame from Adrian, which outshot the Spartans 17–9 in the period, the Bulldogs were unable to find the back of the net and trailed by one after 20 minutes. The Spartans added to their lead early in the second period, scoring at the 1:24 mark to make it 2–0. Aurora continued to apply pressure and extended the lead later in the period with a goal at 10:17. Adrian generated chances throughout the frame but could not capitalize, heading into the third period down 3–0. Aurora added an insurance goal midway through the third period to seal the 4–0 final. The Spartans finished the game with a 56–32 advantage in shots on goal. In net, sophomore Chalee Ridenour played the full 60 minutes for Adrian, stopping 52 of 56 shots in a strong effort despite the loss.
The Bulldogs head into the holiday break with a 3-13-1 overall record and 3-10-1 conference record. The Bulldogs will be back in action January 24th and 25th for another conference series against Notre Dame. On the road the 24th and home on the 25th.
