On Oct. 25, the University of Maine women’s ice hockey team traveled to Hamilton, New York to face the No. 6 ranked Colgate Raiders, falling short of a win. Maine struggled to find defensive success, resulting in an 8-3 win for the Raiders.
Entering the game, Maine stood at 1-5-0 overall, after previously being swept by No. 15 Boston University on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. Maine faced Colgate only once before, in December 2023. The Raiders won 8-2, despite first-year goalie Julia Bachetti earning a career-high of 37 saves.
In the first period, Colgate came out flying and set the tone of the game when first-year defender Georgia Sambrano scored just under two minutes into the game. With the momentum in their favor, Colgate continued to dominate and flood Maine’s zone, testing the first-year goalie Kiia Lahtinen, with nine shots in just 10 minutes, compared to Maine’s four shot attempts.
The Raiders’ ruthless attack rewarded them three additional goals from third-year forward Alexis Petford, first-year forward Alexia Aubin and second-year forward Emma Pais. The Black Bears kept their heads up and showed promising attacks with 13 quality shots on goal. With just a minute left in the period, the Black Bears finally broke into the scoresheet after first-year forward Stephanie Jacob slotted the puck into the back of the net from fourth-year defenders Jamie Grinder and Courtney Colarullo to end the period.
The Raiders once again came out with force and determination, with second-year forward Madeline Palumbo scoring just 26 seconds into the second period. Although it was another rough start for Maine, they persevered and continued to add shots and attack Colgate’s net. Grinder and second-year forward Sam Morrison were consistent in the offensive, adding shots and opportunities for the Black Bears. Even though Maine was on the hunt for another goal, Colgate shut its hopes down with a goal from second-year forward Kaia Malachino at the 13:33 minute mark. Still, Maine did not give up and ended the period with 15 shots compared to Colgate’s five shots.
There is a clear pattern with how Colgate starts each period, as they scored yet another goal in under two minutes to kick off the third period by Pais.
10 minutes later, the Black Bears shorthanded goal from fourth-year forward Alyssa Wruble. Another goal from Colgate was shortly scored after, but Maine’s response was exceptional, as second-year forward Lily Fetch added another goal, with third-year forward Danielle Brunette earning the assist.
As the third period came to an end, each team finished with 27 shots. Contrary to the score, the Black Bears held their ground throughout the game and created many quality scoring chances.
