The Wesleyan women’s ice hockey team posted its first win of the season on Tuesday, Dec. 7, in a close matchup against the Nichols College Bison. This victory prolongs Wesleyan’s unbeaten streak versus Nichols to a three games. Last year, the two teams went head to head in another close matchup that resulted in a scoreless tie. This year, the Cards were determined to overcome the Bison, and ultimately came away with a 3-1 triumph, advancing Wesleyan’s record to 1-5.

Wesleyan had a strong start to the game as forward, Glenn Hartmann-Mattson ’14 received a behind-the-net pass from Captain Jill Reynolds ’12 and netted a goal for the Cardinals halfway through the first period, giving Wes a 1-0 lead. This was Hartmann-Mattson’s first career goal and the Cardinal’s second goal of the season. After taking this early lead, the Cardinals held on tight, fending off each of Nichols’ shots on goal for the remainder of the period.

Just two minutes after the puck dropped in the second period, Nichols pushed its way past Wesleyan defense and scored its first goal of the game, evening out the count to 1-1. Less than a minute later, Wesleyan’s power forward, Sena Ito ’12 struck back with a tipped in rebound off of a shot from the top corner by Emma Ram ’11. This goal broke the tie and put the Cardinals back in the lead. Wesleyan’s surge of energy carried on throughout the rest of the period, as the Cards continued to take shots on net.

At 11:49, Wesleyan had another beautiful play as M.J. Cardin ’12 received a break away pass at center ice from Leah Coe ’11. Cardin then pulled one move on the Bison tender and wristed a high shot to the top corner, netting a third goal for the Cardinals.

Throughout the game, Wesleyan held a 28-23 edge in shots as Cardinal keeper Ashleigh Corvi ’13 posted 22 stops. Nichols was 0-for-3 on the power play front, but managed to go without a penalty of its own, therefore refusing the Cardinals any power-play attempts.

With a first victory now under their belts, the Cardinals are optimistic and eager to see what they can do next. Up next for Wesleyan is a visit to UMass-Boston for another non-league contest on Friday, Dec. 10, to end the first semester’s action.