ROCKVILLE, MD. – The Blazers through adversity played their first game and were fueled by two first period goals and the sea of fans that traveled from all over to defeat the Hilbert Hawks in the program's inaugural game 3-2.
For the ceremonial puck drop, head coach Josh Funk and the program's first commit
Maggie Grijalva (Fullerton, Ca./El Dorado) were joined by Interim President Debbie Ricker, Director of Athletics Dr. Susan Kolb and Middle Atlantic Commonwealth Executive Director Megan Morrison.
Inside the Box Score
Astrid Wilbur (Alexandria, Va./West Potomac) scored the program's first goal in history.
Caroline Kittell (Louisville, Ky./Rice Prep) and Sophie Ancona posted a goal and an assist on the day.
Savannah Potratz (Jamestown, N.D./Jamestown) went 8-1 on faceoffs.
Grijalva saved 30 and boasts Hood's first win as a keeper.
How it Happened
Lucianna Szczubiala (Las Vegas, Nv./West Career and Technical Academy) sent a slap shot that was redirected by Wilbur's stick with her back turned to the goal that put the Blazers on the board for the first time.
Later in the first directly after the faceoff, Wilbur met a Hilbert skater at the boards to free the puck and allowed Kittell to feed Ancona who found the top shelf to etch a 2-0 lead.
Although "We Like to Party" by Vengaboys started to stick in the heads of fans, players and staff members, the Hawks brought the Blazers back down to earth.
The second period some traffic at the net that created a rebound opportunity for Hilbert's Alaburda to put one past the keeper to make it 2-1.
Halfway through the second, the Hawks' Izabelle Wagner found herself behind the goal just to find Alaburda again who took advantage of the Hood skater blocking the view of the goalie and netted her second goal of the period.
With the second period winding down, Hood was making one last push before the buzzer. Ancona took the possession behind the net before finding a trailing Kittell who spoiled her first look before putting the putback in to send the arena into a frenzy with the lead.
The energy in the building put the Blazers in the driver seat and defense from the back line and Grijalva sent the Hood community home in good spirits.
For the Opponent
Jacqueline Alaburda scored both of Hilbert's goals.
Tia Card saved 42 on the day.
Analysis
The Blazers went 39-29 on faceoffs.
Hood led in shots 74 to 52.
Notes
Hood moves to 1-0, 0-0 in conference.
Hilbert falls to 0-1, 0-0 n conference.
Up Next
The squad has an early wake-up call as the puck drops at 7:15 a.m. at the Hagerstown Sports Complex tomorrow morning with a rematch against Hilbert.
