University of Arizona women’s hockey loses to McKendree University 3-2 in overtime in Tucson Arena Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1:00 p.m.
Arizona will meet McKendree again in February where they will try to get a revenge win.
First period
Possession remained even throughout the first 20 minutes of the game, each team having opportunities on goal. Arizona received two penalties back to back, resulting in a power play opportunity for McKendree. However, they weren’t able to capitalize off of the 3-on-5.
Arizona’s offense pressured McKendree with 8 shots on goal. Although, their defense was most impressive, not allowing a single one of McKendree’s 18 shots on goal to land.
The period ended with the score still locked at zeros, neither team’s shots finding the back of the net.
Second period
The Wildcats came out hot on the ice and found the back of the net with a goal from Brynn O’Niell only 1 and half minutes in. O’Niell has had several crucial goals this season, including one against Colorado State University which took the team into overtime where they secure a win. This put the Wildcats in the lead 1-0 with 18 minutes remaining in the second period.
Olivia Sorlie, UA freshman goalie, made a huge save as McKendree player Kiley Hasenfratz had a breakaway and shot on goal. Hasenfratz had another shot on goal soon after where Sorlie made another impressive save, keeping Arizona in the lead.
Physicality was high on the ice too as a couple fights were on the verge of escalating. This resulted in penalties on both ends, but neither team was able to use this to their advantage.
Arizona ended the period in the lead, 1-0, with 10 shots on goal. McKendree had 13 shots, but still wasn’t able to get the puck by Sorlie.
Third period
Play remained intense throughout the first half of the period. McKendree continued to pressure Sorlie and Arizona’s defense gave up a goal with 11 minutes remaining. The goal was scored by Brittney Kambeitz, a senior forward for McKendree.
Arizona had several penalties in the third period, resulting in McKendree power plays.
However, Arizona quickly retaliated with a goal off a breakaway from Britney Bridel, a UA junior forward, assisted by Lilly Howell, a freshman forward for the Wilcats with 6 minutes remaining in the game.
Not three minutes later, McKendree scored with a goal from Jayna Barnden, tying the score 2-2 with two minutes remaining.
This ended the third period, making the match enter into overtime. McKendree dominated the shots on goal with 22 shots compared to Arizona’s 6.
Overtime
The overtime minutes consisted of 3-on-3 with golden goal. With only two seconds remaining in the five minute period, McKendree University knocked the puck in with a goal from Kylie Hasenfratz, a senior forward, securing the win. Despite Arizona’s constant efforts to score, they came away with the loss.
Looking ahead
Arizona women’s hockey’s next matchups will be against GCU in the Tucson Arena on Friday Dec. 6 at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. This will be the Wildcat’s second time seeing GCU following their first two games of the season where they split the series 1-1.
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