DEARBORN, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn women's ice hockey team took on the Miami (OH) Redhawks in a matchup of two CCWHA juggernauts. The Redhawks bested the Wolverines in overtime on Friday (Feb. 8), but the Wolverines regrouped and scored two powerplay goals to take down the Redhawks 3-1 on Saturday (Feb. 9).
Friday's contest started with early action. UM-Dearborn's Stephanie Hatch opened the scoring at 5:20 of the first period, assisted by Megan Kosempel and Finnia O'Neill Di Mascio. Miami responded on a power play at 15:28, with Sydney Soler netting the goal, assisted by Laura Labarre and Bryn Jones.
In the second period, UM-Dearborn extended their lead with Maya Ferracciolo scoring at 19:24, assisted by Nicole Hahn. The Wolverines held onto their 2-1 lead heading into the final period.
Miami (OH) equalized in the third period, with Cailin Schwarzer scoring at 8:13, assisted by Lyla Tsu, to make it 2-2. Despite both teams continuing to battle, neither could score again in the third, sending the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, Miami (OH) sealed the victory just 1:46 in as Cailin Schwarzer scored her second goal of the game, again assisted by Tsu, securing a 3-2 win for the RedHawks.
Kenna Borso took the loss in goal for UM-Dearborn, stopping 33 of 36 shots. Miami's Maya Gonzalez earned the win with 35 saves on 37 shots.
On Saturday, the game began with a strong performance from the Wolverines, who capitalized early on a power play. Zoe Zaifman scored the first goal of the game at 5:03 of the opening period, assisted by Charlise Wharram, putting UM-Dearborn up 1-0. The Wolverines kept the pressure on throughout the first, outshooting the Redhawks 15-13, but could not add another goal before the period ended.
In the second period, UM-Dearborn extended their lead with a late goal. At 13:23, Andi Evers found the back of the net, assisted by Wharram. Just before the second period expired, UM-Dearborn struck again on another power play. Evers scored her second goal of the night at 19:45, assisted by Cadence Pero and Grace Adriaanse, giving the Wolverines a 3-0 lead.
Miami (OH) responded in the third period. Sydney Soler scored on a power play at 15:14, assisted by Lauren Smith and Laura Labarre, to cut the deficit to 3-1. However, the Wolverines held strong defensively, and despite Miami's efforts, UM-Dearborn maintained their advantage for the remainder of the game to secure the win.
Kenna Borso was stellar in goal for UM-Dearborn, making 42 saves on 43 shots, earning her eighth win. Miami's goalie, Maya Gonzalez, made 37 saves on 40 shots but took the loss.
