ADRIAN, Mich. – The Concordia University Wisconsin women's hockey team erased an early two-goal deficit Friday evening, battling back to force overtime against Adrian. The Falcons scored once in the second period and found the equalizer in the third, but Adrian ultimately claimed the shootout victory following a 2-2 tie through overtime. With the 2-0 shootout victory, Adrian earned an extra point in the standings.
First Period
The Falcons found themselves in an early hole as Adrian struck twice in the opening four minutes to take control of the game. Adrian opened the scoring just 1:19 into the contest, giving the Bulldogs an early advantage.
Adrian continued to apply pressure, and a power-play opportunity allowed the Bulldogs to extend the lead to 2-0 at the 3:44 mark. The Falcons worked to settle into the game following the early goals, looking to generate opportunities and find a response before the first intermission.
Concordia Wisconsin finished the opening period with six shots on goal, while goalkeeper Gretchen Paaverud turned aside seven shots to keep the Falcons within striking distance.
Second Period
The Falcons came out with a renewed sense of urgency in the second period, putting more pressure on the Adrian defense and creating several opportunities in the offensive zone.
After working through multiple power-play opportunities, Concordia Wisconsin finally broke through at the 11:14 mark. Naomi Black found the back of the net on the power play, cutting the deficit to one. Bella Reinisch and Abby Hansberger were credited with assists on the goal as the Falcons capitalized on the extra skater.
The goal provided a much-needed spark for Concordia Wisconsin, which continued to push offensively throughout the period. The Falcons recorded 12 shots on goal in the second, matching their first-period total while limiting Adrian to just five shots.
Despite several additional opportunities, the Falcons entered the final period trailing by just one goal, setting up a pivotal third period.
With 20 minutes remaining, Concordia Wisconsin continued its offensive attack in search of the equalizer. The Falcons created consistent pressure and eventually found the breakthrough midway through the period.
Third Period
The Falcons continued to generate chances following the equalizer, putting additional pressure on the Bulldogs' defense. Black came close to giving Concordia Wisconsin the lead, ringing a shot off the post with just over six minutes remaining.
Both teams continued to trade opportunities down the stretch, but neither could find the go-ahead goal as the contest moved to overtime.
Overtime
The five-minute overtime period featured opportunities at both ends of the ice, with both goaltenders coming up with important stops to keep the game even.
Paaverud continued her strong performance in net, turning aside all four Adrian shots in overtime. Adrian's goalie also held firm for the Bulldogs, stopping all three Concordia Wisconsin attempts to send the game into a shootout.
Shootout
In the shootout, Adrian converted both of its attempts, while the Falcons were unable to find the back of the net. Two Bulldogs scored for Adrian to secure the shootout victory.
Highlights
The Falcons finished with 33 shots on goal compared to Adrian's 26.
The Falcons wen 1-for-7 on the power play.
Paaverud finished with 24 saves in net for the Falcons.
The Falcons will look to carry the momentum into Saturday, November 6 to face Adrian for the second game of the weekend series. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET.
