READING, Pa. (January 2, 2022) – The Western New England women's ice hockey team dropped a heartbreaker in overtime to the Wolves of Alvernia University on Sunday afternoon after the Golden Bears were able to even the score at the midway point in the third period, before surrendering the overtime winner to Shae Hudec. 

Records: 

• Western New England: 5-6-1
• Alvernia University: 4-6-1

How it Happened:

The Golden Bears and Wolves were held scoreless in the first period after Sierra Dennis, who made her second career start for the Golden Bears, made an opening six saves in the opening frame. GK Julia Beaven made 13 saves on 13 shots on goal by WNE in the first period. Alvernia University came up short on the period's only powerplay chance. 

Alvernia would score the game's first goal at 6:27 in the second period when Sydney Bradley found teammate Lexi Hooper who was able to slide the puck past Dennis to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. The Golden Bears would fight for ten shots on goal in the second period, though would be stopped on their first 23 shots on goal through the first two periods. 

The Golden Bears would dominate for much of the third period and would be rewarded with their first goal of the game with under ten minutes to play in the contest. Alexa Paoli would find the newest member of the Golden Bears Emma McGuane who made a pass to Allison Walker, who potted the Golden Bears first goal of the game. The Wolves and Golden Bears would move down the stetch of the third period with even play, resulting in overtime for the two teams. 

Alvernia wasted little time in the overtime session as Olivia Gilida found Shae Hudec on the back post and tapped in the game winner to lift Alvernia University over the Golden Bears by a final score of 2-1. Alvernia took the only two shots in the frame, resulting in one save and one goal for the Wolves. 

Inside the Crease:

• Allison Walker came away with the Golden Bears lone goal in the contest. Walker finds the back of the net for the 5^th time this season. She now has recorded goals in three consecutive games. Walker was also 11/18 in the faceoff circle for WNE. 
• Sierra Dennis made 24 saves on 26 shots on goal by the Wolves in her second career start for Western New England.
• Shae Hudec scored her first goal of the season for the Wolves, the overtime winner. Alvernia University wins their second overtime game of the season. 
• Western New England outshot the Wolves 38-26 in the loss. Neither team cashed in on a their powerplay chance. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England returns home on Wednesday, January 5 for a non-conference game with New England College from the Olympia Ice Center at 7:00 pm. 
• Alvernia University travels to Manhattanville College in UCHC play on Friday, January 7 at 5:00 pm.