Wilkes, Pa. (Jan. 24, 2025) - Alvernia University (9-7-1, 5-7-1) dropped the opening-game of the MAC Women's Ice Hockey contest against Wilkes University (13-4, 11-2), 2-1, on Friday night in MAC action at Wilkes.

The Colonels scored early in the first period to take the 1-0 lead, but Alvernia evened it at 1-1 later in the period. Wilkes then scored what would become the game-winner in the second, before holding off Alvernia in the third. 

How it Happened

• Alvernia sent in the first two shots of the game, but Wilkes struck first. The Colonels needed three minutes to get on the board, scoring on just their second shot of the contest to take the early 1-0 lead.
• The Golden Wolves were awarded their first power play opportunity of the game just moments after the Wilkes goal, but could not convert on the power play.
• Alvernia did break through to tie the game at 1-1 with five minutes to play as Sydney Bradley fired in a goal off the initial shot of Riley Hill and another assist from Moa Lagh.
• Wilkes peppered Alvernia to close out the final five minutes of the period, but, Alvernia's defense behind Stephanie Skorupa held strong to send the game to the second period tied at 1-1.
• The Golden Wolves sent in three early shots to open the period, but it was Wilkes who broke the tie in the sixth minute of the second period to make it a 2-1 game. 
• Two minutes later, Alvernia had to kill off a penalty, before transitioning into a 4v4 after Wilkes was hit with a penalty on the power play. Neither team was able to find the back of the net as the game remained 2-1 in favor of the Colonels midway through the second.
• The Golden Wolves and Wilkes traded shot opportunities in the final ten minutes of the period, as Wilkes moved into the third period with the one goal advantage. 
• Alvernia kept Wilkes from adding to its lead in the third period, with Skorupa making 20 saves in the final 20 minutes. But, Alvernia could not find the back of the net for the equalizer as Wilkes came away with the 2-1 win to open the series.

Inside the Box Score

• Sydney Bradley finished as Alvernia's only goal scorer, with Riley Hill and Moa Lagh on the assist.
• Carolyn Burton, Kathryn Palmer, and Julia Franklin each finished with a team-high two blocks.
• Stephanie Skorupa finished with a career-high 34 saves.

Up Next

• Alvernia is back at Wilkes tomorrow for the second game of the series.