Union College Women’s Hockey Team Secures Victory Over Merrimack
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – In an exciting season opener, the Union College women’s hockey team triumphed over Merrimack College with a score of 4-2 at Lawler Arena. The game showcased a remarkable performance by the Garnet Chargers, particularly in the second period, where they dominated the ice and scored three goals in just 88 seconds.
Game Highlights
- Union scored three goals in a rapid-fire sequence during the second period.
- Junior Jill Willis achieved her first multi-goal game, netting goals in both the second and third periods.
- First-year players Madi Gaines and Lily Oster also contributed with goals, marking Gaines’s second score of the season and Oster’s first collegiate goal.
The Warriors of Merrimack initially struck first with Emma Pfeffer scoring just over four minutes into the game. Union’s sophomore goaltender, Emma Rhéaume, made significant saves to keep the game within reach, allowing her team to outshoot Merrimack 10-6 in the first period.
Second Period Surge
As the second period commenced, Union came out aggressively. At the 15:57 mark, Madi Gaines found the net, igniting a flurry of scoring for the Chargers. Just 43 seconds later, Willis extended the lead with her first goal of the afternoon, followed by Oster’s strike 45 seconds after that, establishing a 3-1 lead by the end of the period.
Third Period Dynamics
In the final frame, Willis scored her second goal at the 5:44 mark, pushing the lead to 4-1. Although Merrimack’s Pfeffer responded shortly afterward with her second goal, the Warriors were unable to close the gap as Union’s Rhéaume made several crucial saves down the stretch. Rhéaume finished the game with 23 saves from 25 shots.
Statistical Overview
- Both teams were 0-for-2 on power plays.
- Union finished with a slight edge in shots on goal, recording 25 to Merrimack’s 22.
With this victory, the Garnet Chargers improved to 3-0-0 for the season. They aim to continue their winning streak in the rematch against Merrimack, scheduled for tomorrow at 2 PM at Lawler Arena.
