(O'FALLON, Ill., Nov. 16) – The McKendree University women's hockey team opened a two game series with Grand Valley State University on Saturday night. The Bearcats dominated the Lakers, beating them 5-1, outshooting them 53-11.
 
The Bearcats move to 7-5 overall on the season.
 
McKendree struck first, scoring four minutes into the opening period. Freshman Quinn Atchison (Victoria, BC, Canada/Belmont Seconday School) snuck the puck by the opposing netminder. Freshman Juliana Davis (Onanole, Manitoba, Canada) was credited with an assist. The Lakers tied the game seven minutes later on an unassisted goal. The Bearcats took back the lead four minutes later, freshman Camryn Scully (Prince George, BC, Canada/Prince George Secondary School) connected with senior Delayne Ivanowski (Kirkwood, MO/Kirkwood) to regain the lead. The McKendree defense held strong, allowing just three goals in the period.
 
The Bearcat offense exploded in the middle period with three goals. Senior Lara Wentz (Bismark, ND/) started the scoring on the power-play seven minutes into the period with help from junior Paris Suzuki (Covina, CA/Covina High School) and freshman Tianna Walkus (Port Hardy, BC, Canada/Port Hardy Secondary School). Walkus was on the other end of the scoring with her first goal of the season. Senior Tia Kay (Willard, UT/Box Elder) and Scully assisted Walkus on the goal. Sophomore Kayla Waldbillig (West Kelowna, BC, Canada/Mount Boucherie Secondary School) closed out the game's scoring on an unassisted goal late in the second period.
 
McKendree held the Lakers to one shot in the second period and seven in the third period for a total of 11 in the game. The Bearcats poured on 53 shots in the 5-1 victory.
 
The Bearcats will look for a sweep tomorrow night at 1:00pm.