NEW LONDON, Conn. – Freshman Caroline O'Keefe (Winthrop, Mass.) scored her third goal of the season as part of a balanced scoring attack in leading the Connecticut College women's ice hockey team to a 3-1 victory over Wesleyan on Saturday evening at Dayton Arena.

After a scoreless opening period, three of the game's four goals came within a span of just over seven minutes during the second frame. The Camels got on the board first, as freshman Melanie Conca (Nutley, N.J.) took a pass along the boards from sophomore Melissa Alexander (Bellingham, Mass.) and skated in from the right side before finishing with a backhander to the far post.

Even though the Cardinals were quick to draw even when Brooke Krough finished a pass from Sarah Takahaski, the hosts were able to regain the lead for good less than three minutes later when O'Keefe buried her own rebound. Sophomore Samantha Hunt (Savage, Minn.), who sent O'Keefe the puck in the defensive end along the boards, was credited with an assist on the play.

Wesleyan (6-9-1, NESCAC 0-7-1) nearly tied the game up during a power play when Chiara Christie broke loose against a strong Camel forecheck and had a shot saved by sophomore Carly Denora (Verona, N.J.). The net then got dislodged with the Cardinals attempting to finish a rebound, putting a screeching halt to their chances of tying the game.

Less than 20 seconds after the missed opportunity, the Camels quickly turned the tide by adding an insurance goal while still playing shorthanded and continuing to forecheck. Junior Erin Dillon (Hazlet, N.J.) stole the puck away and centered a pass to senior Kylie Wilkes (Howell, N.J.), who one-timed a shot past goalie Sam Smith to give the hosts a two-goal advantage which they would keep for the remainder of the contest.

Denora picked up the victory for Connecticut College in net by making 18 saves, while Wesleyan's Smith suffered the loss after turning away 28 shots.

Connecticut College (11-5-1, NESCAC 5-4-1) will remain at home to host Williams for a two-game set beginning on Friday evening at 7 p.m.