ANGOLA, Ind. -- A pair of freshmen took center stage as the Trine University women's hockey team defeated visiting Marian University by the score of 3-0.
Neither team came up with a goal in the first thirty minutes of play. Finally, in the 15th minute of the second period the 0-0 tie was broken up. Senior Kirsten Vandenheuvel (Denfield, Ontario) caused a turnover in the defensive end with the puck ending up at the feet of junior Gabrielle Hicks (Layton, Utah) who quickly shoveled a pass into the neutral zone behind the Sabre defense. There freshman Payton Hans (Johnson Creek, Wis.) collected the puck and streaked toward the oppositions goal where she fired a perfect shot into the top right corner of the net.
Hans made the night a special one just under two minutes later. Once again, a turnover in the offensive end started the play for the team, this time with freshman Ellie Warhoftig (The Colony, Texas) collecting the puck along the boards before passing it deeper into the zone to sophomore Taryn Raisanen (White Lake, Mich.) who had more space to clear the puck. Instead of straight clear however she passed the puck behind the defense to Hans, who once again streaked up the ice. She fired another shot into the upper right corner, this time from the left side of the goal, to make the night her first multi-goal performance.
The 2-0 lead would last well into the third period for the Thunder. In the 16th minute, Vandenheuvel thwarted a clear attempt near the blue line and fired a shot on goal. Marian's goalie turned the shot aside but left the rebound free for senior Brandi Wilson (Fenton, Mich.) who made quick work of the wide-open net in front of her building the lead to its final 3-0.
The victory marks the first shutout victory for freshman Ryleigh Furlong (Lakeville, Minn.) who finished the night with 40 saves in net. Furlong has been in net for all three of the Thunder's victories so far this season.
Trine improves to 3-9-1 overall following tonight's win. They will finish the weekend doubleheader and the 2021 portion of their season tomorrow, Saturday, December 11 when they host Marian University again. Opening puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m.