MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (Saturday, November 30, 2024)-- In Salve Regina University's second game of the week against Wesleyan University the women's hockey team fell 2-1 after two scoreless periods and a power play goal from Riley Esposito in the third. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Wesleyan 2, Salve Regina 1
Records: Salve Regina (5-5-0, 4-2-0 NEHC), Wesleyan (2-4-0, 0-4-0 NESCAC)
History: Last Tuesday, November 26, the Seahawks struck first in the second period when Gina Richard received a pass from Ashtyn Bringardner and secured a 1-0 lead. The Cardinals went on to score two unanswered goals but with 2:27 before the end of regulation Samantha McKenzie tied it at 2-2. At 48 seconds into overtime Wesleyan made a move and ended the sudden victory period 3-2. 

NOTEWORTHY

• Salve Regina's Riley Esposito got the Seahawks off to a strong start by putting the visitors in a position to win the opening face off. Wesleyan posted the first shot, which was saved by Sydney Baxter. However, Salve responded with another face off win after Sunshine Clark met Amelia Molin in the circle.
• Wessleyan took advantage of a power play to score their first goal of the evening at 9:07 in the first period, just eight seconds after a Salve Regina penalty for high sticking. 
• Wesleyan continued their success in the second period with an even strength goal at 11:41 on the clock, which sent the teams into the intermission 2-0. 
• Although it took Salve Regina two periods to find their groove the team made it on the board at 16:10 in period three. Cardinals' Caroline Kee was sent to the penalty box for roughing which gave the Seahawks the edge they needed. Following a face off in the Seahawks' attack zone a five on four situation allowed Jennifer Drevitch to nab the puck and slide it over to Riley Esposito who accelerated to the net and sunk a goal from the far circle. 
• In an attempt to pull even Sydney Baxter left the ice with 51 seconds remaining in regulation but Salve Regina could not convert. McKenzie blocked a final shot from the Cardinals and the game ended with Wesleyan in the lead 2-1. 

ON THE HORIZON
In a few short days women's ice hockey will be back in Middletown to host Connecticut College. On Tuesday, December 3, the Camels will be in town for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop.