The Aurora University women's hockey team secured the #3 seed and home ice in the program's first NCHA Slaats Cup Playoff appearance, with a 4-0 victory over St. Norbert College. The Spartans avenged last night's defeat in a game that they controlled from the opening puck-drop.  

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 4, St. Norbert College 0
LOCATION: DePere, Wisconsin
RECORDS: Aurora University 17-8 overall and 11-5 NCHA; St. Norbert College 8-17 overall and 7-9 NCHA

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Nicole McKernan put the Spartans on the board at the 6:25 mark in the first period. The goal game on a Spartan power play and was assisted by Olivia Matson and Sadie Parton. 
- Late in the second period, Lauren Martel extended the Spartan lead to 2-0 when she found the back of the net on an assist from Nicole McKernan.
- Marisa Trevino got in on the action in the third period, scoring again on a Spartan power play and putting AU up 3-0.
- The Spartans ended the game on a Briana Carlson empty net goal with 23 seconds to play. 
- AU out-shot St. Norbert 26-16 and was in control for the duration of the game. 
- The Spartans went on to win 4-0. 

SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Goals: Nicole McKernan (1), Lauren Martel (1), Marisa Trevino (1) and Briana Carlson (1)
Assists: Sadie Parton (3), Nicole McKernan (2) and Olivia Matson (1)
Saves: Chiara Pfosi (16)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan women's hockey team comes on Saturday, February 29 when they face St. Scholastica in the quarterfinals of the Slaats Cup Playoffs. Puck-drop is set for 12:00 p.m at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Ill.