TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State women's club hockey struggled to capitalize on its power-play opportunities, leading to a frustrating loss. 

Head coach Lindsey Ellis said she would like to see more out of the team in those scenarios. 

“More tenacity on that power play,” Ellis said. “That's two minutes when we don't capitalize; it's just undisciplined hockey.”

The Sun Devils (1-2-0-0) dropped the first game at home 3-1 on Sunday, Oct. 4, in Tempe against Colorado (3-1-0-0). ASU allowed two early goals from the Buffaloes that left ASU scrambling to find some sort of offense as the clock started to tick down. 

In addition to the loss on Sunday, the Sun Devils have gone 0-8 on power-play opportunities; something Ellis has made note of.  

“Eight power-plays and no goals; we have to be better,” Ellis said. “Obviously, we'll keep working on that.”

On the other hand, ASU’s offense continues to put pressure on opposing teams' defenses, outshooting the Buffaloes on Sunday, 48-23. However, with only one goal to show for it, the Sun Devils' offensive pressure hasn’t translated into enough scoring. 

“A big problem we've had not only just at the start of this season but last year as well is scoring in general,” Ellis said.

On the other hand, freshman goaltender Sayg Morton got her first start in the crease today for ASU. 

Unfortunately for her, it ended in a loss, but Morton didn’t let the result affect her, controlling the pressure of her first collegiate start. 

“I took it shift by shift, period by period,” Morton said. “I just told myself, ‘go out there and finish the game; this is something you care about’.”

Although her first start in net ended in a loss, the rookie Morton saved 20 of 23 shots on net. This gives the Sun Devils' goalie tandem something positive to build on for the upcoming season.

“The work starts now,” Morton said. “I definitely need to work on some things, and help my team out a bit more.”

Although the score may show a negative result and quiet down the momentum on the bench, junior defenseman and alternate captain Mara Draper is always there to make sure her teammate can get back in the game as best they can.

“We hype each other up and get everyone kind of rolling," Draper said. “Just because you're down a goal doesn't mean you can't get it back.”

With the Sun Devils, however, not being able to capitalize today, Draper looks to host Montana State two weeks from Sunday.

“I just look at what's ahead,” Draper said. “Focus on what's in front of you, and don't worry about the past.”

Furthermore, ASU will have two weeks to get back on track against the Bobcats, hoping to be able to create more scoring opportunities and create a rhythm heading into the heart of the fall. 

“Just need to finish on those shots,” Draper said. “There were a lot of rebounds and opportunities for this game, and we veered away from that.” 

Importantly, with two weeks off, Ellis knows the potential this team can live up to; with new talent on the roster, finding comfort and building chemistry may be what the Sun Devils need to get back on track.

“We have a lot of young newcomers, and they have so much potential,” Ellis said. “This is by far the most skilled team we have, and it's just getting comfortable; we want to tap into the potential.”