The Aurora University women's hockey team was back at Fox Valley Ice Arena for the first time in over a month, taking on the Thunder of Trine University in a NCHA battle on Friday night. Darci and Molly Matson each picked up two goals and two assists as the Spartans shutout the Thunder 8-0 in the first match-up of the series.


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 8, Trine University 0
LOCATION: Geneva, Illinois - Fox Valley Ice Arena
RECORDS: Aurora University 9-8-1 overall and 6-4-1 in the NCHA, Trine University 4-14-0 overall and 0-9 in the NCHA

 
- A 5v4 power play helped start the scoring extravaganza as Haley Knauf and Molly Matson set up Darci Matson for the goal. Matson's goal came at the 13:38 mark of the first period.
- The Spartans were able to extend their lead right before the end of the first as M. Matson fired one past the Thunder goalie making it 2-0. Matson was assisted by Anabelle Scriver.
- AU took this 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
- Knauf got in on the scoring fun early in the second period with D. Matson on the assisting end this time.
- The Spartans made it 4-0 while shorthanded at the 13:32 mark of the second period. D. Matson netted her second goal of the game with Madison Gasper picking up an assist on the play.
- The AU line of Stephanie Schmunk, Peyton Elliott, and M. Matson struck about four minutes later in the second period off a power play. Schmunk's goal put the Spartans ahead 5-0.
- AU headed another power play with 2:16 remaining and needed less than a minute to make it 6-0. 
- Erin Campbell scored the Spartans sixth goal as Gasper picked up another assist.
- M. Matson broke away from the defense just over halfway into the third period to make 7-0 AU.
- The Spartans would tack on another late goal thanks to Aurora Williams. D. Matson picked up another assist along with Makenna Brownlee.
- The late goal from Williams gave AU the 8-0 victory.

 
Points: Molly Matson and Darci Matson (4), Madison Gasper and Haley Knauf (3), Six Different Spartans (1)
Goals: Molly Matson and Darci Matson (2), Aurora Williams, Stephanie Schmunk, Haley Knauf, and Erin Campbell (1)
Assists: Madison Gasper, Molly Matson, and Darci Matson (2), Peyton Elliott, Haley Knauf, Makenna Brownlee, and Anabelle Scriver (1)
Saves: Marie Dedert (19)


Next action for the Spartan women's hockey team comes on Saturday, January 20 when they host Trine University. Puck drop is slated for 3:00 p.m. at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois.