MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - The Connecticut College women's ice hockey team fell to host Wesleyan University 3-1 on Saturday afternoon in Middletown, Conn. With the loss, Conn falls to 1-1 overall and 1-1 in NESCAC play, while Wesleyan improves to 1-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
It was an even game to start as Welseyan (1-1, 1-1) recorded two shots in the opening 30 seconds. However, Conn (1-1, 1-1) responded with the next three shots. It was Wesleyan however, that opened the scoring on the power play midway through the opening frame. Isabelle Allieri found the back of the net on assists from Dylan Green and Aimee Seppenwolde at 11:26. Neither side scored for the rest of the period as the Cardinals led 1-0 after the first.
The second period started much like the first ended, as both teams generated chances but could not break through for a goal. With just under three minutes remaining in the period, Wesleyan doubled their lead on a goal by Brigitte Goeler-Slough at 17:07. Forty seconds later, Conn was awarded a power play, and on the ensuing man advantage made the opportunity count. With just 21 seconds left in the frame, Kiley Smith (Marion, Mass.) got the Camels on the board, as Serena Seiple (Willmette, Ill.) and Ashley Engle (Basking Ridge, N.J.) picked up assists, as Conn trailed 2-1 heading to the third.
Conn started the third period strong, recording four shots in the opening minute but were held at bay by Wesleyan goalie Rei Halloran. The Camels continued to search for the tying goal, but with just four and a half minutes left, the Cardinals got an insurance marker from Amelia Molin at 15:32. With time running down, Conn pulled the goalie for the extra attacker, but were unable to cut into the deficit, falling 3-1.
Conn outshot Wesleyan 23-20, while the Cardinals won 35 of 52 face-offs,
Jillian Wexler (Plainsboro, N.J.) made her first start for the Camels, making 17 saves on 20 shots. Smith tallied the lone goal, while Seiple and Engle both added an assist. Casey Chesner (Great Falls, Va.) recorded four shots on goal, while Smith and Sydney Frank (Stillwater, N.Y.) added three on goal. Casey Godfrey (Redondo Beach, Calif.) and Claire Sammons (Naperville, Ill.) led the way in the circle, as both won five draws each, while Conn was 1-3 on the power play and 2-3 on the penalty kill.
Halloran picked up the win, making 22 saves on 23 shots. Green led Wesleyan with two points on two assists, while seven other Cardinals added one point. Wesleyan finished the game going 1-3 on the power play and 2-3 on the penalty kill.
Conn returns home to take on Salve Regina on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Dayton Arena for the home opener.
