Arizona women’s hockey defeats Colorado State in overtime

Ellie Conover

November 17, 2024

University of Arizona players Elly Gilbery, 13, Grace McKeag, 61, Teila Saarinen, 26 and Hannah Strand, 10, celebrate their first point with teammates during the third period in the Tucson Convention Center on Sept. 26. UA women’s hockey made its debut during this game.

The University of Arizona women’s hockey team beat Colorado State University 5-4 in overtime on Friday, Nov. 15 at 8:15 p.m. in AZ Ice Peoria.

Kenzie Carson led the Wildcats to victory with the winning overtime goal.

First period

Carson kickstarted the team’s lead with a goal 17 minutes into the first period. The Wildcats held strong for the remainder of the time, not allowing any goals in. Lauryn Hanafin, a junior goalie, played a crucial part in the team’s success with 29 saves of Colorado State shots. The Wildcats’ offense pressured Colorado State with 30 shots on goal for the game. Arizona ended the first period leading 1-0.

Second period

Arizona struck right off the bat with a goal from Brynn O’Neill, a freshman forward, only two minutes into the second period. The Wildcats found the net for the third time in the game five minutes later from Rylan Peska. With a 3-0 lead only seven minutes into the second period, the Wildcats looked strong and in control.

Colorado State was held scoreless until the 11th minute of the period when Elan Forde, junior center, scored a goal. Six minutes later, Ruby Schmidlapp scored Colorado State’s second goal of the game, narrowing the 3-2 gap with one period remaining. Only two fouls were given to each program during this time.

Third Period

The third period was pivotal for Arizona’s outcome in the game. Forde scored her second goal for Colorado State, tying the score. As pressure mounted, Arizona took the lead after Leila Schultz found the back of the net, extending the score to 4-3. However, the Wildcats’ lead did not last long.

Only two minutes after Schultz’s goal in the 16th minute of the period, Colorado State scored with a goal from Charlotte Kotlarchuk. This goal tied the game 4-4 to end the period, and Arizona headed into its first overtime match of the season.

Overtime

The overtime period followed the golden goal rule, making the first team score the game winner. Three and a half minutes in, Carson scored for the Wildcats, securing Arizona’s 5-4 victory. This win marks the Wildcats’ third victory of the season.

Looking ahead

Arizona is set to compete against McKendree University in the Tucson Convention Center Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. This will be the Wildcats’ first time competing against the Bearcats this season.

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