The University of Arizona women’s hockey team crushed GCU 4-3 and 4-0 in a game series played in the Tucson Convention Center on Friday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the AZ Ice Arcadia.
The Wildcats faced GCU in their first two games of the season, resulting in a 2-1 loss as well as a 5-4 win. Arizona hopes to capitalize on these results to improve its record as the season progresses.
Game 1
The Wildcats dominated on the ice for the entire first period, hammering shots on GCU’s goalie. Despite Brynn O’Neill missing a close shot, the crowd’s energy only grew. This started Arizona’s rapid-fire shots but GCU’s goalie made impressive saves.
The Antelopes capitalized off a breakaway as Natalie Saldi scored with 14 minutes remaining in the first period. GCU found the net again in the eighth minute of the game with a goal from freshman forward Sophie Armit. However, Arizona still dominated in possession with a total of 25 shots on goal for the period. GCU only had 10 shots on goal, 2 of which put them on the board.
Britney Bridel, junior forward, put Arizona back in the game after scoring a goal in the 16th minute of the game off a power play opportunity. Less than two minutes later O’Neill found the back of the net on another power play opportunity, evening the score 2-2 to close the first period.
The second period remained intense on the ice as both teams worked to pull ahead. Each program had frequent back-and-forth plays, with several offside calls. Arizona finished the period with 10 shots on goal compared to GCU’s 7.
While neither team was able to get a goal, a penalty was given to each program. This resulted in two power plays for GCU where they had several attempted shots on goal. Moving into the third period, the score remained 2-2.
The Wildcats scored early into the period with a goal from freshman forward Lilly Howell, putting them in the lead.
Teila Saarinen scored the Wildcats 4th goal of the game with 12 minutes remaining in the final period. Arizona goalie Olivia Sorlie made crucial saves in the third frame that impacted the final outcome.
However, GCU managed to sneak a goal in with only a minute and half remaining in the game. The goal was scored by freshman forward, Elizabeth Ramsey.
Ultimately, Arizona held off GCU for the rest of the match, securing a 4-3 win.
Game 2
The Wildcats came out hungry in the first period, securing a goal from O’Neill seven and a half minutes into the game. Arizona held a 1-0 lead for the rest of the period while avoiding any penalties.
Sixteen minutes into the second period, O’Neill struck again with her second goal of the game, extending the Wildcats 2-0 lead. However, the Wildcats’ scoring was only just beginning.
Arizona’s offensive prowess continued during the second period as Saarinen and Rylan Peska put two more in the net for the Wildcats.
GCU received multiple penalties in the period, resulting in power play opportunities for Arizona, where O’Neill took advantage and capitalized on a goal.
Neither team scored in the third period of the game as the Wildcats held their 4-0 lead, resulting in a major shutout for Arizona.
Sorlie played a large role in this match and contributed to the shutout with 32 saves during the game. Notably, Arizona recorded 49 shots on goal along with many scoring opportunities.
Looking ahead
The Wildcats prepare to take on GCU for the fifth time this season on Jan. 10, 2025, at 1 p.m. in Tucson Convention Center. The following day, Arizona will play Michigan State University at 1 p.m. in the Tucson Convention Center as well.
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