Lady Flames torch Hawks

Liberty’s division one women’s hockey team took to the freshly-repainted ice in the LaHaye Ice Center Aug. 25 for their season opener against Hamilton, defeating the Hawks 5-2.

The women fought hard in the first period, but dropped to a two-goal deficit within the first 10 minutes. The first goal for the Liberty Flames came with 10:11 remaining on the clock, and the team began to rally. By the end of the first period, the Lady Flames were down 2-1.

The Lady Flames were on the attack at the beginning of the second period, which began with a power play in Liberty’s favor. The women continued playing consistently, but missed the opportunity to tie up the game. Amidst the onslaught of shots, Liberty’s freshman goalie Kristina Toppazzini held her own. She did not give up any more goals, despite taking a beating in the net.

With 6:15 remaining on the clock in the second period, Lady Flames senior Carly Peleshok tied the game 2-2. The forecast was wet and cold outside and spirits were low, but the Flames lived up to their namesake.

As the clock ticked down, Liberty rose to the challenge. With a mere 1:48 remaining on the clock, Peleshok struck again and leaped on the breakaway opportunity, scoring her second goal of the game and pushing the Flames lead to 3-2 at the end of the second period.

At the beginning of the third period, the Lady Flames won the puck drop, an early-indicator of the success to follow. Within a minute and a half, the Lady Flames pushed another puck through the unsuspecting Hamilton goalie to take a commanding 4-2 lead.

Liberty’s fifth and final goal occurred in the last minute of the third period. Liberty leaped on the opportunity afforded to them in a faceoff to widen their lead to three goals, making the score 5-2.