WATERVILLE, Maine – The Connecticut College women's ice hockey team scored twice in the first period, and held on to defeat host Colby 2-1 on Friday night from Jack Kelley Rink. With the win Conn improves to 5-7 overall and 2-5 in conference play, while Colby falls to 8-3-1 on the year and 1-3-1 in NESCAC action.

Colby started the game on the front foot, recording the first nine shots of the contest, but Devon Galizio (Wayland, Mass.) was perfect from the jump. Conn finally got their first shot on goal at 15:23 but Paige Bolyard made the save. However, late in the period, the Camels came to life. After Lily Stern (Nove Zamky, Slovakia) had her initial shot stopped, she followed up burying the rebound at 17:59 to give Conn the 1-0 lead. Just 23 seconds later, the Camels doubled the advantage on a Caitlin Pierce (Edgewater, N.J.) to put Conn in front 2-0 after one.

Colby opened the middle frame like the first, peppering Galizio, but the junior netminder remained strong. However, the Mules finally broke through at 8:57 as Anna Stanton cut the deficit to 2-1. The teams traded chances for the rest of the period, but neither side found the net as Conn remained in front 2-1 heading to the third.

Conn started the third period strong, putting Colby on the backfoot, but the Camels were unable to extend the lead. Over the second half of the period, the Mules responded looking for the tying goal, but Galizio and the Camels held strong. However, with two and a half minutes remaining Colby had an opportunity to even the score after being awarded a power play. The Mules were able to put two shots on goal with two extra skaters after also pulling the goal, but Galizio held firm as Conn came away with the 2-1 win.

Colby outshot Conn 28-26 while winning 34 of 55 draws.

Galizio was outstanding in goal again, finishing with 27 saves. Pierce and Stern both tallied a goal, while Serena Seiple (Wilmette, Ill.) added an assist. Ashley Engle (Basking Ridge, N.J.) led the way in the circle winning eight draws, while Conn finished 3-3 on the penalty kill and 0-1 on the power play.

Bolyard got the start in goal, recording 26 saves. Stanton tallied the lone Colby goal, while the Mules finished 0-3 on the power play and 1-1 on the penalty kill.

Conn wraps up the weekend series with Colby tomorrow afternoon with puck drop scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Waterville, Maine.