The Aurora University Women's Hockey team returned from Thanksgiving break to host Lawrence University on Friday night, spotlighting mental health awareness. Team Captain Olivia Buzzelli, a Campus Captain for The Hidden Opponent, led the initiative to emphasize the importance of mental health in athletics, championing the message that mental health matters just as much as physical health. The Spartans sealed a 3-2 overtime victory, highlighted by Courtney Docktor's first career goal and senior Ellie Visser's clutch game-winner.
 

FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 3, Lawrence University 2 - overtime
LOCATION: Fox Valley Ice Arena - Geneva, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 2-5-2 overall and 2-4-1 NCHA, Lawrence University 3-7-1 overall and 1-5-1 in the NCHA

 
- Lawrence took an early lead, scoring just 52 seconds into the first period.
- The Spartans quickly answered back, dominating possession and out-shooting the Vikings 11-6.
-  At 10:56, sophomore Emiliana Cassillo tied the game with her second career goal, assisted by Peyton Elliott and Samira Schmidt.
- The second period saw the Spartans control the play, maintaining offensive zone pressure throughout, but they were unable to take the lead, with both teams recording six shots on goal.
- With 14:37 remaining in the third period, Courtney Docktor scored her first career goal, breaking the tie with a go-ahead tally. The goal was set up by a center pass from Emiliana Cassillo and a secondary assist from Anabelle Scriver.
- The Vikings evened the score at 2-2 with 6:35 left in the third period.
- With just 0.25 seconds remaining in regulation, AU earned a power play. The Spartans unleashed four shots on goal before the buzzer signaled the end of the period.
- Heading into overtime, the Spartans carried over 1:25 of power play time, aiming to capitalize on the advantage. After the first whistle, overtime resumed in the standard 3-on-3 format.
- A Viking turnover led to Ellie Visser gaining control of the puck and firing a backhand shot to secure the game-winning goal on a break-away.

 
Points: Emilliana Cassillo (2) Courtney Docktor, and Ellie Visser, Peyton Elliott, Samira Schmidt, and Anabelle Scriver (1)
Goals: Emilliana Cassillo, Courtney Docktor, and Ellie Visser (1)
Assists:Peyton Elliott, Samira Schmidt, and Anabelle Scriver (1)
Saves: Shelbi Duster (16)


Next scheduled action for the Spartan women's hockey team comes on Saturday, December 7 when they travel to Lawrence University. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Appleton, Wisconsin.