SAINT PAUL, Minn-  The University of Dubuque women's hockey team started their 2024-25 season on Saturday and were off to a quick start against St. Catherine University. UD lost by a final score of 5-2. 

The Spartans claimed an early lead at 17:07 in the first period as Ava Dedrick (#9) found the back of the net, assisted by Gracie Hall, making it 1-0 in favor the Spartans. Just under a minute later at 18:00, Chloe Byma (#16) extended the lead with a goal off assists from Gracie Hall and Lauren Jeffery, putting UD up 2-0.

St. Catherine responded in the second period, scoring twice and tied the game. Less than a minute into the final period, St. Catherine captured their first lead of the night and would extend their lead to a final 5-2. UD finished the night wth a power play in the first and third periods. The Spartans committed 11 penalties for 25 minutes and allowed 10 power plays to the hosts, who compiled 17 shots and scored three power play goals.

UD won 24 faceoffs and were led by Zoe Cupples who finished the night with eight wins. Ava Dedrick added six wins and teammates Pacey Lannet and Arwen Sims each won five faceoffs. Samantha Eldridge grabbed five blocks and Lauren Jeffery had three in the game. In goal, Savannah Wuitschick played a complete game and took the loss after facing 36 shots (12 in the first, 16 in the second, and eight in the third).

UD had 10 shots from 10 different student-athletes, six in the first, three in the second and were stifled by the defense and had one shot in the final 20 minutes.

Gallery courtesy of Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com.

Up Next- The Spartans (0-1-0) will have their home opener next Friday, Nov. 8 against St. Norbert College at 2:00 pm. The two teams will face each other again on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the weekend series.