MIDDLETOWN, CT. – Led by Sami Smith '27 in goal, the Wesleyan women's ice hockey team claimed their third victory of the season to open the new year with a 1-0 non-conference shutout of UMass Boston on Friday afternoon as Effie Tournas '25 scored the game-winning goal from Spurrier-Snyder Arena.

Relentless from the opening faceoff, the Cardinals made it known that the Beacons would not be able to get a word in edgewise as they pulled up in the opening period with 19 shots on Beacons goaltender, Veronika Hadamovsky. While the period was scoreless at either end, the Cardinals had ample time to close in on the Beacons with the man advantage and shot seven times. Smith came up with two massive saves in the period as she made quick work of a breakaway attempt by Adriana Crepaldi and a high glove save on Kaitlyn Ondrick.

Awarded three power plays in the second period, the Cardinals' power play was held off by the penalty kill units sent out by the Beacons as they managed only one shot on goal through six minutes with the advantage. The Cardinals also managed to kill off two of their own penalties, holding the Beacons without a shot on Smith.

With just under seven minutes remaining in regulation, Tournas broke through the scoring drought of the game and put the Cardinals on top with the game winner. Tournas' low shot fell right over the blocker of Hadamovsky after forcing a turnover at the Cardinals' own blue line. Making a short pass to Isabelle Allieri '25, Tournas was able to keep possession for the Cardinals, deking around the Beacons defense.

Caroline Kee '26 and Amelia Molin '27 led from the faceoff as they each tallied double digit draw wins, Kee with 12, Molin winning 10.

Making 16 saves in goal, Smith earns her first collegiate shutout and her second win of the season.

The Cardinals return to action on Saturday, Jan. 4, when they host Conn. College at 2 p.m.