Waterville, Maine – The #8-seeded Colby College Women's Ice Hockey team hosted the #11-seeded Wilkes University in the first round of the DIII NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Championship Tournament. After an intense 60 minute battle between the Mules and Colonels, Colby came out on top with a 4-3 win to advance to the quarterfinals.
In their second time hosting an NCAA Tournament match at home, the Mules began with a starting lineup of
Courtney Schumacher,
Beth Sinson,
Anya Jiang,
Georgia Pettygrove,
Breanna Studley, and
Mandy Busky in net. Colby came out strong, controlling possession and firing 12 shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes of play. Just 1:17 into the game,
Audrey Shirer put the Mules on the board with a goal assisted by
Jo Tattersall and
Anna Staton. Wilkes responded at 10:44 to tie it 1-1, but Colby quickly regained momentum. At 15:41,
Breanna Studley capitalized on a breakaway, assisted by
Abby Wick, to put the Mules ahead 2-1. Colby finished the period strong, earning a power play with 10 seconds remaining to set up an advantage for the opening 1:50 of the second period. Busky tallied seven key saves to keep the lead intact. The Mules wasted no time extending their lead, as
Megan Martodam scored just 2:26 into the second period, assisted by
Molly Lefebvre and Tattersall, making it a 3-1 game. Just over two minutes later, Lefebvre added another goal to push Colby ahead 4-1. Despite earning a power play at the 12-minute mark, the Mules were unable to capitalize. Wilkes responded with offensive pressure, but Busky shut them down with four consecutive saves on a Wilkews power play. Colby ended the period with 12 shots on goal, 11 faceoff wins, and six total saves from Busky. Heading into the third period with a three-goal lead, both the Mules and Colonels brought the intensity. Wilkes scored just 20 seconds in to cut Colby's lead to 4-2, but the Mules held strong With just 50 seconds left, Wilkes struck again, making it a one-goal game. However, Colby's defense held firm and Busky came up big with 13 third-period saves for a game total of 26. After three intense periods, the Mules secured a 4-3 victory, punching their ticket to the NCAA quarterfinals.
In a week on Saturday, March 22nd, the Mules will travel to Amherst, Massachusetts to face off against the Amherst College Mammoths at 3 pm in the quarterfinal round of the DIII NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Tournament.
