ANGOLA, Ind. – An offensive explosion in the third period led the Trine University women's hockey team to a convincing 5-1 victory over visiting Chatham University in the first half of a two-game series.
It was a record-breaking night for senior Payton Hans who recorded the 34th assist of her career, surpassing the previous career best of 33 set by Brandi Wilson between 2018 and 2022.
The Thunder opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the first period. With the team running the offense in the forward zone, Dorka Gengeliczky fired a shot from the far blue line. The Cougars' goalie made the save but the rebound fell at the feet of Sofia Koppa who made a shot of her own. This time the rebound went wide giving Lauren Hassler an open look for the 1-0 lead.
It ended up being the only goal of the period. The second stanza also only featured one goal, but it went in favor of Chatham and knotted the game at one. The visitors scored off a turnover in the offensive end.
The Thunder retook the lead in the sixth minute of the third period. Once again Gengeliczky started the play, this time by forcing a turnover in the neutral zone. She handed the puck off to Hans who skated into the offensive zone, behind the net and back to the blue line before passing backwards to Sydney Streb. The sophomore skated to the near side of the ice and fired a shot from high in the slot that found the back of the net.
It looked like the team would build on their lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game. Hannah Lambers caused a turnover in the defensive zone and broke through most of the Chatham skaters before passing the puck through the remainder of the defense to Mleko who was set with a breakaway opportunity. The last Cougar defender tripped her and Mleko was awarded a penalty shot which she converted to make the score 4-1.
Desperate to cut into the deficit, Chatham pulled their goalie early, with 3:58 remaining in regulation. It kind of worked with Claire Schmaltz forced to make four quick saves against the extra attackers. The sophomore played well in net through the game, finishing with 17 saves and the win.
Eventually, with just under two minutes remaining, the Thunder made the visitors pay for selling out for offense. After pressing the Cougars back to their defensive zone to protect the empty net, Streb forced the turnover and passed the puck to the blue line where Abby Martin was waiting to fire a long-distance shot. The senior's aim was true, and the score went to its final of 5-1.
Trine improves to 3-2-2 overall following the victory. They will look to finish the sweep tomorrow, Wednesday, November 27. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Thunder Ice Arena.
