MIDDLETOWN, CT.  – Amongst a sea of pink balloons and streamers decorating Spurrier-Snyder Arena, the Wesleyan women's hockey team could be found celebrating with fans after Aimee Seppenwolde's '26 game-winning overtime goal ousted Connecticut College in 3-2 NESCAC victory on Friday night.

Hosting the ninth annual "Pink the Rink" game, the Cardinals paid tribute to Joan Kilar, the mother of Jackie Kilar '19, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2014. While honoring loved ones affected by breast cancer, the Cardinals have continued their tradition to raise awareness for breast cancer research and early screenings and detection.

Laying the groundwork for a dramatic finish, the Cardinals closed the first period with a two-goal lead despite the Camels' heavy shot margin lead. Making the most of their turn inside the Camels' defense, it was Carly Ward's '27 shot from above the near circle that led to the opening goal from Dylan Green '26 and Caroline Humber '29. With four minutes remaining in the first, the Cardinals earned the man-advantage on a tripping call and set Humber for the power-play goal. Seppenwolde's initial shot from the point deflected high, falling to Humber's stick at the crease.

The second period opened with a Camel's power play as a body checking call was handed down to the Cardinals. The Camel's capitalized and cut the lead with help from Lily Stern. Building on the momentum of Stern's goal, the Camels tied the game up at two as the third period ticked over the midway mark. Charlotte Harris was awarded the goal, effectively sending the game to extra minutes.
With a NESCAC win on the line, the three-woman lineup of Green, Seppenwolde, and Parker Caldara '29 took the Camels to task and were rewarded with a Green breakaway with a minute underway. Green's shot on goaltender Devin Galizio diverted over Galizio's shoulder and onto the line for Seppenwolde as she swarmed the net.

Green and Caroline Kee '26 led all Cardinals with five shots on goal. Lilly Place '29 was dominant on the draw, winning 11.

Reigning from inside the Cardinals' goal, Sami Smith '27 was an anchor for the Cardinals, stopping 40 of 42 shots. Galizio finished with 26 saves.

The Cardinals return to action on Saturday, Jan. 31, as they drop the puck with Conn. a second time at 3 p.m.