MIDDLETOWN, CONN. -- The Manhattanville College women's hockey team traveled to Connecticut to take on the Cardinals of Wesleyan University on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The Valiants opened an early lead on their opponent but were unable to sustain the offense and fell by a score of 5-3 in the non-conference matchup. 

Momentum in the game began to swing early in the second period. The Valiants saw their two-goal lead cut in half when Wesleyan (6-3, 0-2 NESCAC) scored four minutes into the period to make the score 3-2. Six minutes later the Cardinals scored again, and the game was knotted at three goals apiece. Manhattanville (6-5-2, 5-0 UCHC) found itself tied after two period of play despite a strong first period that saw goals from three different players. Senior forward Janet Xu (Edmonton, Alta./Ontario Hockey Academy), sophomore defender Holly Meredith (Saratoga Springs, N.Y./Vermont Academy) and junior forward Ashley DeFusco (Cranston, R.I./La Salle Academy) all found the back of the net. 

With 8:24 left on the clock in the third period, Wesleyan took their first lead of the game. The goal put the Cardinals up by a score of 4-3. Less than two minutes later, Wesleyan scored again and took a two-goal lead. The 5-3 score line held until the end of the game and the Valiants received their fifth loss of the season. 

Manhattanville was unable to muster enough offense to stay in the game and was outshot 33-13. Freshman goalie Lena Flores (Chicago, Ill./Guerin College Prep) made 28 saves on 33 shots and senior defender Ali Howard (Rye, N.Y./Rye) extended her point streak to three straight games with one assist in the game for the Valiants. 

The Crimson and White return home after three-straight road games on Saturday, Jan. 11, against Salem State University. It will be the first time the two programs have met, and puck drop is set for 3:00 P.M. at the Playland Ice Casino in Rye, N.Y.