The last four matches for women’s hockey, which included two exhilarating wins and two heartbreaking defeats, has shown, if nothing else, that the Cardinals have both the depth and the talent needed to have an outstanding season. Friday, Nov. 16 and Saturday, Nov. 17 began both NESCAC and Little Three play for Wesleyan as the Cardinals faced the Williams Ephs in two home matches. The Cardinals completely dominated the first match, winning easily by a margin of 2-0. Laura Wasnick ’15 notched both of Wesleyan’s goals, assisted by Glenn Hartman-Mattson ’14 for her first, and scoring unassisted for her second. The Cardinals were also greatly aided in their win by the outstanding goaltending of Ashleigh Corvi ’13. Corvi did not let in any of the 35 shots that Williams took on goal. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Williams rallied in the second meeting on Saturday, Nov. 17, defeating Wesleyan 2-0.
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, the Cardinals again skated admirably and secured a major victory over Sacred Heart University. Although this was a non-conference match for the Cardinals, the victory was nonetheless an emotional one. As intrastate rivals, Wesleyan and Sacred Heart have met at least once every season since 1995. In the previous seven matches against Sacred Heart, the Cardinals have suffered a series of harsh defeats, scoring only four goals collectively in the last 13 meetings between its two squads. But Wesleyan broke their losing streak this time around. Initially behind by a margin of 1-0, the Cardinals scored three straight goals in an 11:28 span, pulling away to defeat Sacred Heart 4-2.
This victory highlighted the depth and skill of the entire Cardinal squad. Over the four goals, 15 different players each registered a point. Jenny Robinson ’16, Mackey Hemphill ’15, and Catilin Bray ’15 all earned their first career goals in this match. Sophomore standout Jordan Schildhaus registered the final goal. Corvi once again was a powerhouse in goal, blocking 33 of 35 shots faced while in the net.
The Cardinals hit the road on Sunday, Nov. 25, to take on College of the Holy Cross. Wesleyan had lost in the seven prior meetings of these two teams, and was hoping to once again break a losing streak. Unfortunately, Holy Cross had other plans for the Cardinals, who ultimately succumbed to defeat by a margin of 2-1. Wesleyan’s sole goal came from the first of two power plays made by the Cardinals in the third period. Led by Schildhaus with 5:30 remaining, this power play rallied the team and brought it back into the game. The Cardinals again pulled Corvi out of the goal with 1:11 left in a final push to tie the game, but this effort could not secure a victory for the squad.
Women’s hockey currently stands at 1-1-0 in conference meetings and 2-2-0 in overall play. The Cardinals return to NESCAC play on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1, going on the road to take on the Amherst Lord Jeffs.