GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Davenport ACHA D1 women's hockey experienced a weekend of highs and lows against Aquinas College, opening with a commanding 4-0 shutout victory Friday at Patterson Ice Center. The Panthers looked to carry that momentum into Saturday's rematch at Southside Ice Arena, where they battled back from a three-goal deficit to force overtime. Despite the comeback, Aquinas edged Davenport 5-4, resulting in a weekend series split.
Davenport wasted little time setting the tone Friday, taking control of the contest with two first-period goals. Ava Corbiere got things started with her second goal of the season, putting the Panthers on the board early. Jordin Williams kept the momentum going, finding the back of the net at 16:36 off an assist from Mika Kulwych to give Davenport a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission. The Panthers showed no signs of slowing down in the second period as Megan Boos capitalized on a power-play opportunity at 2:52, netting her fourth goal of the season with assists from Sydriha Retzlaff and Abby Hildebrand. Just 56 seconds later, Ainsley Skinner added to the lead with her third goal of the season, assisted by Corbiere, pushing the advantage to 4-0. With a commanding lead in hand, Davenport held Aquinas scoreless through the final period to complete the shutout victory.
Avery Hall stopped all 27 shots she faced to record the shutout. Davenport outshot Aquinas 37-27, converted one of its 11 power-play opportunities and successfully killed all eight of Aquinas' power plays.
Davenport looked to build on Friday's shutout victory as Boos opened Saturday's rematch with her fifth goal of the season on the power play at 9:50, assisted by Retzlaff. However, the momentum shifted in the second period as Aquinas struck four times to take a commanding 4-1 lead heading into the final frame. Facing a three-goal deficit, the Panthers battled their way back into the contest. Charlee Tannahill sparked the comeback at 7:01 with her first goal of the season, assisted by Abbey Cowan. Rachel Siefken kept the momentum rolling, finding the back of the net at 15:34 off an assist from Abi Courtney to bring Davenport within one. With time running out, the Panthers made one final push, and Ella Knapp delivered the equalizer with just 24 seconds remaining in regulation, completing the comeback and forcing overtime. Despite Davenport's third-period rally, Aquinas ultimately came away with the 5-4 victory as Jax Graham scored on the power play in the extra period.
Hall made 24 saves on 29 shots Saturday, while Davenport held a 46-29 advantage in shots on goal. The Panthers went 1-for-7 on the power play, while Aquinas converted two of its six opportunities.
Hall finished the weekend with 51 saves, including Friday's shutout, while Boos led Davenport offensively with two goals across the series. The Panthers totaled eight goals over the two games.
Davenport returns home to Patterson Ice Center for a two-game series against Sault College, beginning Friday, Nov. 6, at 9:15 p.m. The Panthers will wrap up the weekend series Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m.
