The Aurora University women's hockey team returned to the ice looking for their second straight victory against the Thunder of Trine University in NCHA action on Saturday afternoon. The 2024 senior class was recognized during a pregame ceremony in front of an energetic crowd at Fox Valley Ice Arena who had a lot to cheer about as the Spartans took down the Thunder 3-1.
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 3, Trine University 1
LOCATION: Geneva, Illinois - Fox Valley Ice Arena
RECORDS: Aurora University 10-8-1 overall and 7-4-1 in the NCHA, Trine University 4-15-0 overall and 0-10 in the NCHA
- AU didn't waste much time getting on the board as
Reilly O'Brien broke away from the defense and set up
Ellie Visser for her fifth goal of the year.
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Makenna Brownlee found a loose puck in the offensive zone and made it 2-0 AU with about two and a half minutes remaining in the first period.
Peyton Elliott and
Haley Knauf recorded assists on the play.
- The Spartans out shot the visitors 32-13 in the first frame and took their 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
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Darci Matson found the back of the net after a sweet setup from
Madison Gasper while the Spartans were shorthanded.
- Matson's team leading 18th goal of the season at the 5:46 mark of the second period gave AU a 3-0 lead.
- Trine would get on the scoreboard late in the second with a goal.
- AU would lead 3-1 going to the second intermission.
- Each team play to a scoreless third period as AU out shot the Thunder 41-13 in the frame.
- The Spartans would win the match-up by a score of 3-1.
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Marie Dedert would finish the game with 23 saves as AU nearly shutout the Thunder for the second straight game.
Points: Seven Different Spartans (1)
Goals: Darci Matson,
Ellie Visser, and
Makenna Brownlee (1)
Assists: Madison Gasper,
Peyton Elliott,
Haley Knauf, and
Reilly O'Brien (1)
Saves: Marie Dedert (23)

Next action for the Spartan women's hockey team comes on Friday, January 26 when they travel to Marian University. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.