(O'FALLON, Ill., Feb. 17) – The McKendree University women's hockey team defeated Maryville University on Wednesday afternoon at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex, winning 8-4.

Within the first eight minutes, senior Paris Suzuki (Covina, CA/Covina High School) put the Bearcats on the board first with the help of Laurynn Davey (Owens Cross Roads, AL/Huntsville High School) and Jackie Leone (Lake Country, BC, Canada/Kelowna Secondary School). The Saints answered back with a goal less than a minute later. With five minutes left on the clock, McKendree put three more goals on the board. The first was scored by Jaynee Smothers (Buckner, MO/Fort Osage), assisted by Leone and Suzuki. A minute later, Leone scored her own goal, assisted by Chase Hallemann (Ballwin, MO/Marquette) and Suzuki. Then with only 14 seconds left on the clock, Quinn Atchison (Victoria, BC, Canada/Belmont Seconday School) extended the lead to 4-1.
 
The Bearcats stormed the ice immediately into the second period. Camryn Scully (Prince George, BC, Canada/Prince George Secondary School) scored unassisted seconds into the period. Four minutes later, Smothers scored her second goal of the day. Captain Elia Burbidge (Tottenham, Ontario, Canada/The Hill Academy) was credited with the assist. Seconds later, Scully put her name on the board again with help from Davis and Atchison. Maryville returned the favor with a goal shortly after, but Hallemann pushed McKendree further ahead after a pass from Scully. The Saints scored before the end of the second period, leaving the score 8-3.
 
Maryville was the lone scorer during the third period. The Bearcats played great defense, holding off the Saints from any other points, ending the game 8-4.  

Freshman goalie, Brianna Burke () made her debut with 25/29 saves in the victory.
 
McKendree moved back to 1-1 overall. The Bearcats will return to play this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19 and 20 respectively.