The University of Arizona women’s hockey team lost to McKendree University 3-2 in overtime in Tucson Convention Center Arena on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1:00 p.m.
Arizona will meet McKendree again in February.
First period
Possession remained even throughout the first 20 minutes of the game, with each team having opportunities on goal. Arizona received two penalties back to back, resulting in a power play opportunity for McKendree. However, the Bearcats weren’t able to capitalize off of the 3-on-5.
Arizona’s offense pressured McKendree with 8 shots on goal, although the Wildcats’ 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 0-0, 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’Neill only 1 and half minutes in. O’Neill has had several crucial goals this season, including one against Colorado State University which took the Wildcats into overtime to secure the win. This put the Wildcats in the lead 1-0 with 18 minutes remaining in the second period.
Olivia Sorlie, a 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 as a couple fights were on the verge of escalating. This resulted in penalties on both ends, but neither team was able to use these penalties 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, with 6 minutes remaining in the game.
Less than three minutes later, McKendree scored with a goal from Jayna Barnden, tying the score 2-2 with 2 minutes remaining.
This ended the third period, forcing the match into overtime. McKendree dominated the shots on goal in the third period with 22 shots compared to Arizona’s 6.
Overtime
The overtime minutes consisted of 3-on-3 with golden goal. With only 2 seconds remaining in the 5 minute period, McKendree University knocked the puck in with a goal from Hasenfratz, securing the win. Despite Arizona’s constant efforts to score, the Wildcats came away with the loss.
Looking ahead
Arizona women’s hockey’s next matchups will be against GCU in the TCC Arena on Friday, Dec. 6 at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. This will be the Wildcats’ second time seeing GCU following their first two games of the season where they split the series 1-1.
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