ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College NCAA women's hockey team returned to home ice on Wednesday for a New Year's Eve non-conference matchup against Trine University. Despite a slow start, the Bulldogs erupted for six goals to secure a 6-4 victory and earn their 10th win of the season.

After a quiet opening stretch of the first period, Adrian used a timeout with seven minutes remaining to shift momentum. The Bulldogs responded by scoring three goals in the final minutes of the period, beginning with a power-play goal from Ava Mattaliano. Riley Johnson followed with two even-strength tallies late in the frame to give Adrian a 3-0 lead.

The Bulldogs struck early in the second period when Hunter Reardon found the back of the net, but Trine answered just 33 seconds later and added another goal in the final minute of the period to cut the deficit to 4-2 heading into the second intermission.

Adrian extended its lead in the third period with a goal from Paige Pomerleau, followed by Johnson's shorthanded goal to complete her hat trick. Trine added two goals late to pull within two, but the Thunder could not complete the comeback as the Bulldogs held on for the 6-4 win.

Kiera Stack earned the start in goal for Adrian and recorded 19 saves. Johnson was named the game's top star after finishing with three goals and one assist. Pomerleau added two assists to her goal, while Elizabeth Sturgeon contributed two assists in the victory.

The Bulldogs will return to action on the road at the Holiday Tournament hosted by SUNY Morrisville, beginning Friday, January 2. Adrian will open the tournament against Trinity University (Conn.) at 2:00 p.m.