Castleton, Vt. – The Colby College Women's Ice Hockey team opened the New Year with a commanding 3-1 victory over the SUNY Potsdam Bears in their first game of the Bagley Invitational.

The Mules set the tone in the first period, outshooting the Bears 20-9. Despite earning a power play opportunity, Colby couldn't convert, and the period ended scoreless. The Mules ramped up the intensity in the second period and goaltender Mandy Busky stood tall with 11 saves, anchoring the team during back-and-forth action and power play opportunities. Finally, with just under three minutes remaining in the period, Maria Pierce broke the deadlock, giving Colby a 1-0 lead. Not even 90 seconds later, Jo Tattersall added another for Colby which was assisted by Molly Lefebvre and Lulu Gray. In the third period, Colby maintained their momentum, keeping their play disciplined and dominating possession. They won 14 faceoffs to the Bears' eight and fired 17 shots. At 13:36, Kate Pura extended the lead to 3-0. Despite a late push from SUNY Potsdam, Busky made six critical saves throughout the period to secure the 3-1 win

The Mules will return to action tomorrow to play their second game of the tournament against either Castleton or Keene State.