Martlets Defeat Bearcats in Jackson Rink

The Martlets earned an impressive 5-2 victory over Hotchkiss on Saturday afternoon at Jackson Rink, capping off a strong week with a complete team performance. Coming off a late-night return from an away game the evening before, the Martlets knew a fast start would be critical, and they delivered. Just under a minute into the game, Piper Chaisson ‘27 opened the scoring for Westminster. Chaisson carried the puck into the zone, cut confidently across the middle of the ice, and snapped a shot top corner to give the Martlets an early 1-0 lead. Hotchkiss refused to be rattled by the early goal and responded midway through the first period with a power-play tally to even the score. Westminster stayed composed, and five minutes later captain Bella Zapata ‘27 restored the Martlets’ lead. Using her speed to weave through defenders, Zapata ripped a shot into the far top corner, sending Westminster into the first intermission up 2-1. The Bearcats came out strong to start the second period, capitalizing on a breakaway just over a minute in to tie the game at two. From there, however, the momentum shifted firmly in Westminster’s favor. On the power play, June Hodson ‘28 fired a shot from the point that found its way through traffic and into the net, marking her first goal as a Martlet and giving Westminster a 3-2 advantage heading into the second intermission. Determined to close out the game, the Martlets dominated the third period. Junior Mya Polastry wasted no time adding an insurance goal, splitting the Hotchkiss defense on the first shift of the period and slipping a low shot past the goalie. Polastry struck again at the 10-minute mark when a point shot from Ella Hammel ‘28 deflected off Jane Curtiss ‘28 and hit the post. Polastry was in perfect position to bury the rebound and seal the 5-2 win. It was a gritty performance from Westminster, showcasing the hard work the team has been putting in. The Martlets finished the strong week on a high note with a well-earned victory over a determined Hotchkiss squad. The Martlets are back at Jackson Rink on Wednesday to take on Williston.

Our Grit & Grace player of the game is sophomore June Hodson! Not only did June score her first goal as a Martlet today, her teammates also acknowledged the hard work she has been putting in all season on and off the ice.