After a tough loss to McKendree University on Thursday night, the Arizona State women’s hockey team entered Friday’s game hoping to fix up its defensive mistakes and split the two-game series.
However, the Sun Devils were unable to recover from Thursday’s struggles, falling 0-2 to McKendree, ending the week with back-to-back shutout losses.
Friday’s loss sets ASU’s record to 5-3-1, while the Bearcats improve to 11-4.
Freshman forward Klaire Essex scored the first goal for McKendree in the opening period at 13:53, finding space between ASU’s defense after a turnover in the zone. Graduate forward Brittney Kambeitz extended the Bearcats' lead in the second period, scoring at 8:50.
Similar to Thursday’s setback, ASU struggled to stay organized defensively. Mistakes in coverage and quick, uncontrolled passes let McKendree control the puck for much of the game.
ASU had a few chances late in the second period but didn’t score, and finished the game with few shots compared to its earlier games. Friday marks the second straight night the Sun Devils were unable to find the back of the net.
Injuries on the blue line forced younger defenders to step up, and McKendree took advantage by finding open space in the offensive zone.
ASU and McKendree remain familiar rivals, with the Bearcats currently holding the stronger record in the matchup. Both programs rank within the ACHA top ten, with McKendree at No. 3 and ASU at No. 7.
The Sun Devils now look ahead to reestablishing their defensive play as they prepare for the next week of their schedule, aiming to bounce back from a difficult two-game series loss.