The University of Arizona women’s hockey (5-10-1) suffered a 5-1 loss against rival ASU (10-7) in Mullett Arena on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. The Wildcats have now suffered three straight losses and four straight games without a win.

First period 

ASU came out first in the start of the match, putting away two back-to-back goals in the third minute of play. Mara Draper and Paige Brien, both freshman forward and defensemen, scored the goals to put ASU in the lead early.

The Wildcats worked to find an opening in the ice but were unsuccessful in their attempts.

With a new goalie in for Arizona, Karsyn Hellman, ASU tested them early with 15 shots on goal just in the first.

Second period 

Down 2-0, the Wildcats knew this period was crucial to stay in the game. Only 39 seconds in, Lilly Howell, a freshman forward, scored Arizona’s first and only goal of the game.

With a newfound energy, Arizona held off ASU for the rest of the period while scraping to tie the game before entering the third and final period of the match.

Only one penalty was given during the second period, going to Wildcat Teila Saarinen, a sophomore forward. Fortunately for Arizona, ASU was not able to capitalize on this opportunity.

Third period

The third period would decide who would come away with the win. Until the ninth minute of play, the score remained 2-1 with ASU leading.

The Wildcats suffered several penalties that could arguably have cost them the game. Two Arizona penalties were given at 8:39 and 9:49, creating two power play opportunities for ASU.

ASU took this opportunity to put away a crucial goal from Kylie Brown, a freshman forward. Now leading 3-1, ASU gained momentum.

As Arizona was dealt another penalty in the 11th minute of play, ASU found the net for the fourth time in the game. Brown would find the net again for her second goal of the match. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, this wouldn’t be the last of ASU.

When Arizona received their fourth penalty of the period with three and a half minutes remaining, ASU took charge and secured their final goal of the game. Elle McKenna, a senior forward and defenseman, put ASU in an unbeatable position and ended their scoring streak, leaving the final score of the game at 5-1.

Despite Arizona’s offensive efforts, ASU goalie Quinn Eatinger was able to save 29 shots, allowing only one in the net.

Hellman would be at the mercy of the ASU offensive, having a total of 43 shots come her way.

Looking ahead

The Wildcats will take on Maryville University (18-10-2) in the Maryville University Hockey Center on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:15 p.m. This will be Arizona’s first time facing off against Maryville.