By Logan Kilfoyle '22

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - The Connecticut College women's ice hockey team dropped its season opener to the No. 2 Middlebury College Panthers by a 2-0 decision on Friday evening.

Middlebury (1-0, NESCAC 1-0) came out with a strong effort in the first period, keeping the puck on its half of the ice for the majority of the frame. The Panthers tallied 20 shots, 12 of which were on goal in the first period. While the Camels had some moments of action on the Panthers defense, including a breakaway from senior Natalie Witowski (Chesire, Conn.) and two shots, the Panthers buried their first goal of the game, which came off the stick of Raia Schulter, at the 8:22 mark of the first period. 

As the game progressed, the Camels were able to keep the puck in their end more often, ending up with 10 shots on the Panther goalie and earning two power plays. A great scoring opportunity from Kylie McCarthy (Dedham, Mass.) flying up the left side of the ice and dishing the puck in perfect position to Claire Sammons (Naperville, Ill.) was stopped by the Panthers defense.

Ultimately, the Panthers were able to hold the Camels off, scoring again when Katie Hargrave found the back of the net at 7:23 into the second period and defending any goal attempts from the Camels. 

Junior goalie Abby Wiezorak (Winnetka, Ill.) had an incredible 42 saves despite the Camels' loss, while Middlebury's Caroline Silk saved all 10 shots on goal from the Camels.

Connecticut College (0-1, NESCAC 0-1) will face the Panthers again on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.