The University of Arizona women’s hockey team (5-12-1) suffers a devastating 3-0 loss against McKendree University (21-6) in the McKendree Metro Rec Plex on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. in O’Fallon, Ill. 

First period

The Wildcats suffered a penalty for cross-checking in the first minute of play from Lucy Verderber, a freshman defenseman. This gave McKendree the opportunity of a power play while throwing the Wildcats off balance from the start. 

McKendree senior defenseman, Aria Groot, found an opening and scored her team’s first goal of the match only 13 seconds after the penalty was given to Arizona. With a goal early on in the match, they were given newfound confidence for the remaining minutes. 

Despite the early lead and Arizona’s receivement of two more fouls during the period, no further goals were scored, leaving McKendree in the lead 1-0 at the end of the first period. McKendree would outshoot Arizona a massive 20 to 1 in the first.

Second period

Both teams came out strong in the second period of the game. McKendree fired shots at Arizona’s goalie, Olivia Sorlie. She managed to keep them off for the majority of the period. 

The Wildcat’s defense was keeping them in the game as they looked for more offensive opportunities. 

With roughly five minutes left in the period, McKendree found the net for the second time in the game, now giving them a 2-0 lead. The goal was scored by Larisa Gorgevska-Sharpe, a senior forward. 

Now down by two goals, Arizona attempted to use physicality to their advantage. This resulted in several penalties for both teams, creating power play opportunities on either end. However, neither team was able to capitalize on these moments. 

At the end of the second half, the score remained 2-0, favoring McKendree. The Wildcats needed a strong third period to put them back in the game. Arizona would be once again shot out by McKendree, 12-2 this period.

Third period

In the 53 seconds of play in the final period of the game, Jayna Barnden, a McKendree forward, scored the Bearcat’s third goal. This put them in a comfortable position for the remainder of the game. 

With goals on their mind, Arizona focused their efforts offensively, attempting to get shots off but often falling short. With the pressure of the current score, the Wildcats fought to get back into the game. 

Although two penalties were given to McKendree during the third period, Arizona could not find the opening in the net to secure their place in the match and continued to trail McKendree from a distance. 

With 13 shots on goal, the Wildcats found no success on McKendree’s goalie, Brianna Burke. Notably, McKendree was able to get off 43 shots, three of which secured the Bearcats win. 

At the end of regulation, the score stayed at 3-0, a win for Mckendree and a devastating loss for Arizona. 

Looking ahead

Arizona women’s hockey will face Lindenwood University in a two-game series in Missouri this weekend. The first game will be Saturday, Feb. 8 at 8:10 p.m. in the Centene Community Ice Center and the second will be Sunday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 a.m. in the Maryville University Hockey Center. These will be Arizona’s