After already having played the second and third ranked teams in the nation, the brutal schedule continued for the Colgate women’s ice hockey team last weekend. The team traveled to 8th ranked Harvard and 4th ranked Dartmouth for a pair of important ECAC league games, playing some of its best hockey of the early season and battling both teams.

After falling behind early to Harvard 1-0 and losing senior defender Tara French to a game misconduct in the first period, things were looking bleak for the visiting Raiders. They came out strong in the second period however, as sophomore Sam Hunt increased her point-streak to six games with a game-tying goal. The Crimson reclaimed the lead later in the period, taking a 2-1 lead into the second intermission.

The third period was full of excitement, as the Raiders scored two goals just three minutes apart to take a 3-2 lead. First-year forward Marissa Dombovy and Hunt got credit for the tallies. That lead, however, was short-lived, as the Crimson tied the game with just 3:22 remaining in regulation.

With the score still knotted at three, the league foes headed to overtime. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Harvard struck first with the game-winner, giving the Crimson a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory.

After the heartbreaking loss, things did not get any easier for Colgate, as they traveled to New Hampshire to take on Dartmouth. Heading into the game, the Raiders had an all-time record of 0-15-1 against the Big Green, but November 11 would prove to be an historical night for Colgate women’s hockey.

Hunt put the Raiders on top midway through the first period with her third goal of the weekend. After a scoreless second period, sophomore Elin Brown scored off of a great feed from senior Carly McNaughton to put the Raiders on top 2-1 at 8:32 in the third period. That proved to be the decisive goal, as Colgate pulled the incredible upset to improve to 3-1 in the ECACHL. In addition to the thrill of victory, sophomore goalie Elayna Hamashuk’s performance earned her ECACHL Goaltender of the Week honors.

“Our team played very well this weekend,” junior tri-captain Kate Wolgemuth said. “I think we are all happy with our performance in both games. [Goalie] Elayna Hamashuk played amazingly, especially against Dartmouth.”

Catch the Raiders in action this weekend at Starr Rink against Quinnipiac on Friday and Princeton on Saturday. Game times are 7 pm and 4 pm respectively.