DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's hockey team grabbed the win over Trine University in the second game of the weekend series. The final result was 3-1 in favor of the Spartans, with goals scored by three different players. For Coach Erin Connolly, the come-from-behind victory marked her first career win.

The Thunder started quickly in the first period, scoring within 35 seconds of the puck drop. UD came narrowly close to evening the score but had 12 shots saved following the goal. Alexandria Simmons had multiple long-range attempts that troubled the goalkeeper.

Going into the second period, the Spartans were down 1-0, threatening to score on multiple chances. A penalty on UD left the team short-handed, but Natalie Meeder did not see that as a problem as she skated down the ice and collected the puck from Natalie Post to then hit the puck perfectly into the back of the net. Following the goal, the Thunder pushed, but Kara Zelyck saved all six shots on goal to close the second period.

It was anyone's game going into the third period, all squared up, but the Spartans shifted into another gear late in the match. With less than three minutes to play, Peighton Walker collected the puck within striking distance straight down the middle of the goal. She struck it well and caught the goalkeeper off guard by nestling the puck in the right-hand side of the net. The goal was assisted by Ava Dedrick and Sophia Hoover. Looking to even the score, the Thunder called a timeout and pulled the goalkeeper to give them six on five. In the following sequence, Kara Zelyck made a save, and the puck found its way out to Alexandria Simmons, who hit the puck from her own half into an empty net to finalize the score at 3-1.

The Spartans were led by their goal scorers Natalie Meeder, Peighton Walker and Alexandria Simmons. Natalie Post, Ava Dedrick and Sophia Hoover each collected an assist. Meeder led the team in shots with nine, while Simmons was not far behind with seven. In goal, Kara Zelyck was a difference maker with 36 saves to help the Spartans hold on for the win.

Up Next
The Spartans will remain at home for their next match, facing Marian University on Thursday, November 20. The puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at ImOn Arena.