HAMBURG, N.Y. – Hilbert Women's Hockey earned their first win in program history this afternoon at the Nike Base. Four unanswered goals for the Hawks, combined with key saves down the stretch, helped tally the historic victory.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

A very even first period in terms of shots and chances saw the visiting Monarchs get out to a 1-0 lead. An early goal by Jordan Dittmer three and a half minutes into the contest gave King's the opening goal. Following the goal, Hilbert eased into the game and found their groove offensively. The Hawks fired eight shots in the opening frame, to match the eight attempts by the Monarchs.

The second period is when things really started the click for the Hawks in the offensive zone. 13 shots on net in the frame helped Hilbert score three straight goals.

The first of the game for the Hawks came from the stick of Caitlin Conrad on the powerplay. After drawing a body checking penalty, Jacqueline Alaburda quarterbacked the Hilbert powerplay to perfection leading to three shots, and the tying goal. Alaburda found an open Conrad, who fired a shot in the top corner to make it a 1-1 game just two minutes into the period.

With the goal providing the team with confidence, the Hawks were ready to take control of the game. Abby MacNeil's solo effort grabbed the lead for Hilbert midway through the middle frame. Conrad added her second of the game a minute later to double the lead. Anna Faulkner and Brooke Kwiecien recorded assists on the third Hawks goal. Tia Card was perfect in net for Hilbert in the second, stopping all ten shots sent her way.

King's College threw everything they had at the Hawks in the third, but the Hawks were up to the test. Kaitlin Cowie's first career goal (assisted by MacNeil) in the first five minutes of the period looked like the dagger for Hilbert.

However, two quick goals by the Monarchs suddenly made it a one goal game late in the third period. Amanda Sokol and Abby Barlocker found the back of the net for King's to make it 4-3.

A massive breakaway save by Card gave Hilbert just enough momentum to put the game away. Cowie's second of the game on a deceptive backhand shot generated a roar from the crowd as the two-goal lead had been restored inside two minutes to go. A total team effort kept the puck away from the net of Card and wrapped up the first win for the program.

Head Coach, Earl Utter, recognized his team's effort following the win. "The Women worked very hard for this win. They deserve all the credit."
 
GAME NOTES

• Making 26 saves, Card earned her first career win.
• Cowie and Conrad each scored the first goals of their careers.
• MacNeil continues to lead the way for the Hawks, with four points in the opening two games of the season.
• This afternoon's five goals matches the team's scoring output from all of last season.

 
UP NEXT

Hilbert will travel to Massachusetts next weekend for a Friday and Saturday doubleheader with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Friday's puck drop is set for 6 PM, while Saturday's is slated for 5 PM.