OWINGS MILLS, Md. – An exciting finish went against the Trine University women's hockey team in the opening contest of their 2022-23 season, as they fell in overtime to their hosts from Stevenson University by the score of 4-3.
The Mustangs struck first in the contest when just past the halfway mark of the first period they capitalized on a Thunder penalty to take the first lead of the game.
Trine responded in the 14th minute of the same period when senior Grace Canty found the back of the net. Freshman Page Melicant and junior Madison Toor added assists on the tally. It was the final goal of the first with the teams entering intermission tied 1-1.
Stevenson retook the lead in the opening minutes of the second period and the lead would last for the next 13 minutes. It was then that the Thunder received a power-play opportunity of their own. Sophomore Ellie Warhoftig tied up the puck in the offensive corner and junior Grace Hicks was able pull it clear before passing it toward the point. Their senior Gabrielle Hicks was ready to fire a shot on goal, knotting the game at two.
The third period started in the same manner as the second, with the home side taking back the lead. This time it took just seven minutes for the Thunder to respond. Melicant recorded her second assist of the game by setting up sophomore Anabelle Scriver for the third goal of the contest.
The 3-3 score held through the remainder of the period, sending the game to overtime. A fourth-minute goal by the Mustangs dashed Trine's hope of an opening day win making the final score of 4-3.
Freshman Casey Frank started her Thunder career well despite picking up the loss. She finished the game with 23 saves after getting the start in net for the team.
The team will bounce back with a rematch against the Mustangs tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 29. That game is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.