Martlets Fall in OT

Westminster traveled to Taft on Saturday for their first road game of 2026! The Martlets found themselves on their heels early, as Taft controlled much of the first and second periods. Despite the sustained pressure in the first, goalie Kate Epke ’27 was strong, making key saves to keep the game even after the first eighteen minutes. Taft eventually broke through in the second period, building a 3-0 lead that left Westminster facing a steep challenge heading into the final frame, but a challenge that the Martlets did not back down from. The Martlets responded with urgency in the third. Mya Polastry ‘27 jump-started the comeback with a power-play goal early in the period, firing a shot from the point that found its way to the back of the net. This goal woke up the Martlets and energized the bench. With just over six minutes remaining, Piper Chaisson ‘27 pulled Westminster closer after finishing off a beautiful backhand feed from Ruby Robertson. At this point the Martlets had full momentum and were hungry to find the equalizer. It was with just over two minutes remaining when Junior captain Bella Zapata, buried a pass in front after Naomi Flom ’27 drove hard down the wall, protected the puck, and delivered a perfectly placed setup to Zapata in front. The Martlets erupted! The final two minutes went scoreless so a five minute over time period followed to decide the winner. Although the Martlets had momentum on their side, the Rhinos netted the game-winner midway through the extra period to secure the win. Although a heartbreaking loss, the Martlets showed a lot of grit in the way they fought hard during the third to comeback. Westminster is on the road again on Wednesday as they take on Choate.

Our Grit & Grace player of the game is Ruby Robertson ‘28! Ruby led by example on the ice today through her relentless play and consistent effort.