ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College NCAA women's hockey team opened its series against St. Norbert College on Friday night at Arrington Ice Arena. The Bulldogs edged the Green Knights, 2-1, in a tightly contested matchup.
The first period was dominated by defensive play, as both teams were held scoreless and combined for just five shots on goal. In the second period, the Bulldogs broke through when Courtney Ben scored an unassisted power-play goal to give Adrian a 1-0 lead. Later in the frame, Carly Carpenter extended the advantage with a goal assisted by Ava Mattaliano and Julia Richardson. St. Norbert answered late in the period, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into the third.
The third period remained scoreless, with Adrian controlling the pace of play and outshooting the Green Knights 17-4 in the final frame.
Kiera Stack earned the win in net for the Bulldogs, making 20 saves to secure her 15th victory of the season.
Prior to puck drop, Adrian honored Kelsey Kusch '15 as the first women's hockey player inducted into the Adrian College Athletic Hall of Fame. Kusch's No. 11 jersey was officially retired during the pregame ceremony.
The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday afternoon to conclude the series against St. Norbert, with puck drop scheduled for 3 p.m.