Hershey, Pa. (Nov. 5, 2021)- A goal in the second period was all Lebanon Valley College (2-1, 1-0) needed as the Dutchmen defeated Alvernia University (0-3, 0-1) 1-0 on Friday night in women's ice hockey's MAC and UCHC opener at the historic HersheyPark Arena.
 
Both defenses started strong, with both power-play units getting early action. Despite Alvernia recording two penalties and Lebanon Valley tallying three, neither team allowed a goal.
 
The Golden Wolves defense had a strong first period, allowing just five shots with only three on target. Lexi Hooper and Sydney Bradley both fired off two shots, but none were able to find the back of the net.
 
The first period with the score knotted firmly, 0-0.
 
The second period opened with a power play that saw the Golden Wolves offense pushing the pace. Ioanna Christou and Hooper both fired off shots that were saved by the Dutchmen's goalie. Lebanon Valley was once again able to kill the power play.
 
The Dutchmen did not take long to develop their offense, with Cheyenne Wilk beating Julia Beaven to record the match's opening goal.
 
The Golden Wolves offense tried to answer back with Hooper leading the charge. Despite another penalty opportunity late in the second period, Alvernia was unable to capitalize.
 
Both teams closed out the second period, recording four shots in the final six minutes. The Dutchmen ended the period with a 1-0 lead.
 
The third period saw Alvernia opening the action with a power-play shot which was saved the goalie once again. Camryn Liuzzi and Mackenzie Jackson both fired off shots later in the period, which forced the Dutchmen goalie to make two more saves.
 
Both teams battled back and forth, with neither giving an inch. The Golden Wolves poured on shots with none finding the back of the net as the third period progressed.
 
With 2:25 left in the period. Hooper fired off a shot that rebounded off the goalie's pads and almost allowed a deflection for the Golden Wolves. Shelby Guinard was able to recover the puck and freeze the action.
 
With time winding down and Alvernia with an empty net, Abby Reisinger fired off two shots in the final seconds. Her first attempt was saved and the second went off the pipe. With neither shot unable to fall, Lebanon Valley came away with the 1-0 win.
 
Beaven faced 17 shots in the net, recording 11 saves and allowing one goal. Hooper led Alvernia's offense push with nine shots. Amber Steinhilpert and Alex Robertson each had seven faceoff wins.
 
Alvernia returns to action tomorrow night hosting Lebanon Valley at Body Zone.