MIDDLETOWN, CT.- Wesleyan women's hockey blanks Manhattanville for their 3^rd straight victory Saturday at Spurrier-Snyder Rink. The Cardinals shutout their opponent for the 3^rd time in four games to get off to a hot start in non-conference play. After a scoreless first period, the Cards recorded a goal each in the 2^nd and 3^rd periods to bring home to 2-0 victory. Wesleyan improves to 3-1 to start the season, while Manhattanville drops to 6-2.

The two teams competed in their 8^th ever meeting Saturday, with the Cardinals claiming victory over the Valiants. Wesleyan has now taken the past three meetings (2022, 2021, 2020) after being defeated by Manhattanville in the first five meetings between the two universities. The Cardinals have now outscored the Valiants 13-4 over the past three meetings, including the 2-0 shutout on Saturday.

The first period was fairly evenly played through the first 10 minutes, with each team having four shots on goal all being saved by the opposing goalie. Manhattanville had a few scoring chances late in the period on a power play, but Wesleyan's penalty kill held strong behind two saves from Rei Halloran '23.

The Cardinals came out with different energy in the second period, registering the first 10 shots on goal of the period. Wesleyan benefited off a Manhattanville penalty seconds into the 2^nd period, but their four shots on goal were turned away by Franny Gerardi. The Cards finally put through their first goal of the game with 11 minutes left in the period. Casey Messina '24 redirected a shot from Sam DeLeo '25 right in front of the net to give Wesleyan their first lead of the contest. Wes had another power play later in the period, but both their shots during the two minutes were handled by Gerardi.

Wesleyan stayed on the attack in the third period, producing nine more shots on goal including putting through an insurance goal. The goal came within the first minute of the final period to give the Cards a 2-0 lead. Jenna Rekoske '24 intercepted the puck in the neutral zone before carrying into Valiants' territory and slipping a wrist shot past Gerardi from the left side. Shots on goal were 9-6 in the final period, with Halloran making three in the final 10 minutes to preserve her shutout.

Halloran completes her 3^rd straight shutout and 6^th of her career. Rekoske nets her team-leading 2^nd goal of the season. Messina scores her first goal of the season, while Shannon Burke '25 and DeLeo add their first assists of the season.

Wesleyan will return to the ice Tuesday November 29^th in a non-conference clash at Castleton.