(Byron Center, MI) - The Concordia Women's Hockey team was out on the west side of the state on Friday evening, taking on the Aquinas Saints for the first time this season. The Saints jumped out to an two goal lead in the 2nd period, but the Cardinals would respond with pair of their own late in the second then a big third score in the third to secure a 3-2 victory.
Amanda Crundwell made the start between in net for the Cardinals, recording 35 saves in an impressive performance. Reagan Tolley led the Cards with two goals and Grace Dodgson had a goal and an assist.
The first period possessed a lot of back-and-forth action, with the Cardinals firing 18 shots on net in the opening frame. Both goalies put out strong performances in net, however, and the game was scoreless at the end of the opening frame.
The Saints finally opened the scoring just over 6 mintues into the middle period, picking up a score on the powerplay. Aquinas scored another goal with 3:58 remaining in the 2nd frame, but CUAA would bounce back quickly on the scoreboard.
The Cardinals got on the board first with a goal by Grace Dodgson on the powerplay with 25 seconds remaining in the period off an assist by Mallory Collins. 23 seconds later, with just 2 seconds remaining in the frame, Reagan Tolley converted again (assist Kassidy Scheben), bringing the Cardinals back from a multiple goal deficit in a matter of just 23 seconds and bringing the game to a 2-2 score at the 2nd intermission.
CUAA continued the momentum in the final period of play, recording 15 shots on goal throughout the final 20 minutes of play. With 7:53 to go, Reagan Tolley finally put the puck in the back of the net for the Cards on the powerplay, giving a them a 3-2 lead. Grace Dodgson recorded an assist on the score.
The Cardinals held firm in the final minutes of the contest, securing the 3-2 victory and moving back to .500 on the season.
Next up for the Cardinals will be a game next Saturday night at Adrian. Puck drop is set for 8pm at Arrington Ice Arena in Adrian, MI.
