(O'FALLON, Ill., Jan. 25) – The McKendree University women's hockey team was dominant in its 5-0 win over Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon. Junior Callie Hoadley (Hanover, MA/Hanover High School) netted a hat trick while sophomore Naomi Leasck (St. Louis, MO/Lindbergh High School) posted her second consecutive shutout, and third of the season.
 
The Bearcats advance to 11-7 overall on the season.
 
McKendree struck just over five minutes into the opening period when sophomore Kayla Waldbillig (West Kelowna, BC, Canada/Mount Boucherie Secondary School) rifled a shot into the back of the net from the blue line. Senior Jana Garrow (Wexford, PA/North Allegheny) and freshman Camryn Scully (Prince George, BC, Canada/Prince George Secondary School) were credited with assists. Six minutes later, freshman Quinn Atchison (Victoria, BC, Canada/Belmont Seconday School) pushed the lead to 2-0 with help from senior Allison Sauvola (Eagle River, WI/Northland Pines) and junior Laurynn Davey (Owens Cross Roads, AL/Huntsville High School). After the opening period of play, the Bearcats held a 2-0 lead.
 
Hoadley notched her first goal of the game 13 minutes into the second period off a beautiful pass from senior Lara Wentz (Bismark, ND/). Late into the period, Hoadley netted her second goal courtesy of assists from senior Alyssa Albee (Brookfield, WI/Brookfield Central) and Garrow. McKendree took a 4-0 lead into the second intermission.
 
Not even a minute into the final period, Hoadley capped off her hat trick with help from Wentz and Albee. The Bearcats maintained their defensive dominance to hold a 5-0 victory over the visiting Rhode Island Rams.
 
Leasck made 26 saves in the shutout effort.
 
The Bearcats will be on the road next weekend, Jan. 31-Feb. 1 as they head to Liberty University for a two game series.