The Aurora University women's hockey team started the first round of the NCHA Slaats Cup Playoffs on Friday afternoon, as the #3 seed Spartans took on the #6 seed Sarbes of Marian University. AU got out to an early lead in the first period and never looked back in the 5-1 victory at Fox Valley Ice Arena. 


FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 5, Marian University 1
LOCATION: Fox Valley Ice Arena - Geneva, Illinois
RECORDS: Aurora University 16-9-1 overall, Marian University 8-16-1 overall

 
- After AU won a face-off in the offensive zone about 11 minutes into the first period, Madison Gasper sniped one from the blue line that Erin Campbell redirected in for the game's first goal.
- It took less than a minute for the Spartans to net another even strength goal, securing an early 2-0 lead.
- Ava Eid fired a one-timer that was saved, but Molly Matson was there for the rebound and score with 8:55 left in the first.
- The Spartans took this 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
- AU controlled the first period with 17 shots on goal to just three for the visitors.
- Gasper secured a loose puck behind the net and found Julianna Gallenero for another Spartan goal in the beginning of the second period.
- 5:49 into the second, the Sabres got on the board trimming AU's lead to 3-1.
- The Spartans again outshot the Sabres 31-17 and took their two goal lead into the second intermission.
- AU increased their lead at the end of the third period as the Sabres pulled their goalie in the final minutes. Ava Eid found the back of the net from the Spartan defensive zone.
- Teagan Moffat tacked on empty net goal with less than a second left on the clock.
- This gave AU the 5-1 victory.
- Marie Dedert finished with 23 saves in the game.

 
Points: Madison Gasper and Ava Eid (2)
Goals: Julianna Gallenero, Teagan Moffat, Erin Campbell, Molly Matson and Ava Eid (1)
Assists: Madison Gasper (2) and Ava Eid (1)
Saves: Marie Dedert (23)


Next action for the Spartan women's hockey team comes on Saturday, February 17 when they host Marian University in the second game of the first round of the NCHA Slaats Cup Playoffs. Puck drop is slated for 2:30 p.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, Illinois.